NASA Extends Voyager 2's Life by Another Year
The space probe continues to operate thanks to energy-saving measures.
1Voyager 2's lifespan extended
NASA has successfully extended the lifespan of the Voyager 2 space probe by another year. This involved shutting down certain devices on the probe and replacing them with less energy-consuming alternatives. Additionally, measures were taken to ensure Voyager 2 remains warm enough to avoid freezing. These steps are critical to prolonging the probe's mission.
249 years of space travel
Voyager 1 and 2 have been traveling through space for nearly 49 years. During this time, they have reached distances farther than any other human-made object. Initially designed to study outer planets, the probes have surprised scientists by continuing to send data from unknown regions.
3Power source: RTGs
The Voyager probes are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). These generators produce energy through the decay of plutonium-238. At the mission's start in 1977, the RTGs provided about 470 watts of energy. However, due to plutonium's 87.74-year half-life, the probes lose approximately 4 watts of power each year.
4Shutting down devices for energy savings
In 2024, NASA began shutting down non-essential devices on Voyager 2, including its plasma science instrument. This instrument measured solar winds and planetary magnetospheres but became largely irrelevant after the probe exited the solar system in 2018. Currently, three instruments remain operational on Voyager 2: the magnetometer, plasma wave subsystem, and cosmic ray subsystem.
5Similar plan for Voyager 1
NASA plans to implement the successful energy-saving measures used on Voyager 2 on Voyager 1 as well. Since Voyager 1 is farther from Earth, a similar energy swap could be attempted in the near future. This could allow at least one instrument on each probe to continue sending data into the 2030s.
6Voyager 1's record distance
On November 18, 2026, Voyager 1 will reach a distance of one light-day from Earth, approximately 16 billion miles. This record is an achievement that even the spacecraft's designers never imagined possible and is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.
7The importance of scientific discoveries
The Voyager probes have revolutionized the scientific world with the data they have sent from deep space. They have provided crucial information on the discovery of outer planets, the boundaries of the solar system, and the study of cosmic rays. This data also serves as a guide for future space missions.
8Humanity's legacy in space
The Voyager probes represent humanity's longest-lasting and farthest-reaching missions in space. They not only collect scientific data but also symbolize humanity's desire to explore. The ongoing journey of the Voyagers continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.
Original article: Popular Science — NASA Voyager 2'ye bir yıl daha ömür kazandırdı