NASA’s Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft have continued their unique missions for more than 45 years, becoming symbols of the human desire to explore. Launched in 1977, they were originally designed to explore the outer planets of the Solar System. However, both vehicles have long since surpassed their original missions by reaching interstellar space, with Voyager 1 in 2012 and Voyager 2 in 2018. The probes are now more than 15 billion kilometers away from Earth.
The apparatuses use radioisotope thermoelectric generators powered by the plutonium-238 isotope to provide power. However, over time, the energy source is depleted: the power level decreases by about 4 watts every year. This is forcing scientists to gradually turn off scientific instruments to maximize the spacecraft’s lifespan. NASA predicts that the final end of their mission could come by 2030, although scientists hope the vehicles will live to see their 50th anniversary.
However, Voyager 1 has recently experienced communication problems: in October, the vehicle lost stability due to low power levels. NASA engineers were able to restore communication by applying redundant systems. Such difficulties have happened before. For example, in September, engineers switched the vehicle to a different set of engines, and in March, the probe transmitted incorrect data to Earth, which required non-standard solutions from the team.
Voyager 2 also experienced technical difficulties. Last year, the vehicle temporarily lost contact with the Earth, but specialists quickly fixed the problem. Despite the challenges, both probes remain extremely valuable to science. Their breakthrough through the heliopause, the outer boundary of the Sun’s heliosphere, was a remarkable achievement.
“We are pleased that the Voyager vehicles have operated long enough to reach interstellar space,” said project manager Suzanne Dodd. She expressed hope that probes could further unlock the mysteries of space beyond the Sun’s influence.
Voyager’s mission demonstrates how engineering innovation and human perseverance open new horizons. Their journey is not only one of scientific success, but also a reminder that the drive for knowledge has no limits.
Earlier we reported on how a server room flood stopped NASA’s solar observatory from operating.
Provided by Wired
