Swift is a first-of-its-kind multi-wavelength observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray burst (GRB) science. Its three instruments will work together to observe GRBs and afterglows in the gamma-ray, X-ray and optical wavebands. The main mission objectives for Swift are to:

• Determine the origin of gamma-ray bursts.
• Classify gamma-ray bursts and search for new types.
• Determine how the blastwave evolves and interacts with the surroundings.
• Use gamma-ray bursts to study the early universe.
• Perform a sensitive survey of the sky in the hard X-ray band.

     Swift is part of NASA's medium explorer (MIDEX) program being developed by an international collaboration. It will be launched into a low-Earth orbit on a Delta 7320 rocket in September 2004. During its nominal 2-year mission, Swift is expected to observe more than 200 bursts, which will represent the most comprehensive study of GRB afterglow to date.