Science and Technology Science and Technology
Thu, March 6, 2025

Why Nasa is switching off instruments on its twin Voyager spacecraft


Published on 2025-03-06 05:02:45 - MSN
  Print publication without navigation

  • Why Nasa is switching off instruments on its twin Voyager spacecraft - The twin spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, launched in 1977 and are currently in interstellar space

NASA is preparing to switch off some of the scientific instruments on its twin Voyager spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, to conserve power as they continue their journey into interstellar space. Launched in 1977, these spacecraft have exceeded their expected operational lifespan by decades, but are now facing power supply issues due to the decay of their plutonium-238 fuel sources. The decision involves deactivating instruments like the plasma wave subsystem and the cosmic ray subsystem on Voyager 2, and potentially similar actions on Voyager 1, to extend their operational life. This strategy aims to keep at least one instrument on each spacecraft functioning until 2030 or beyond, allowing them to continue sending back valuable data from the edge of our solar system.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/space-exploration/why-nasa-is-switching-off-instruments-on-its-twin-voyager-spacecraft/ar-AA1Amt0W ]
Contributing Sources