NASA switches off Voyager instruments to extend life of the two interstellar spacecraft 'Every day could be our last.' - Space.com

In a bid to extend the life of the iconic Voyager spacecraft, NASA has made the decision to switch off some of the instruments onboard. These spacecrafts, launched over four decades ago, have been on an unprecedented journey into interstellar space, sending back invaluable data that has enriched our understanding of the universe. The decision to shut down certain instruments comes with the understanding that "every day could be our last," as remarked by Space.com, reflecting the precarious state of these ageing explorers. The Voyager mission continues to capture the world's imagination, embodying NASA's enduring spirit of discovery.

The Voyager missions, launched by NASA in 1977, were initially designed to explore the outer planets of our solar system. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 embarked on their journeys 16 days apart, with Voyager 2 launched first. The spacecraft were equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to measure various aspects of the planetary environments they encountered, including magnetic fields, atmospheric properties, and the composition of planetary rings.

Over the course of their missions, the Voyager spacecraft made several remarkable discoveries. Voyager 1 provided the first detailed images of Jupiter and Saturn and their moons, while Voyager 2 made the first-ever visits to Uranus and Neptune. The data collected by the spacecraft not only transformed our understanding of the outer planets but also provided crucial information about the conditions and processes in the distant reaches of our solar system.

After completing their original missions, the Voyager spacecraft were directed towards interstellar space. Voyager 1 crossed the boundary of the solar system, known as the heliopause, in 2012, becoming the first human-made object to enter interstellar space. Voyager 2 followed in 2018. They continue to send back valuable data about the interstellar medium, the space between the stars.

Despite their remarkable achievements, the Voyagers are not immune to the harsh realities of space travel. They are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert the heat generated by the decay of radioactive materials into electricity. However, the power output from these generators is gradually decreasing, forcing NASA to make difficult decisions about which instruments to keep running and which to switch off to preserve the spacecraft's limited power supply.

The longevity of the Voyager spacecraft is testament to the quality of their construction and the ingenuity of the teams that have managed them over the decades. However, keeping these aging explorers operational is no easy task. With the twin spacecraft now over 14 billion miles from Earth, even the simplest maintenance procedure becomes a significant challenge. For instance, the command to switch off a single instrument takes 19 hours to reach Voyager 2.

Moreover, the spacecraft are not just far away; they are also incredibly old. The technology that powers the Voyager missions is over 40 years old; this means that there are very few people left who fully understand the intricacies of the spacecraft's systems. As a result, maintaining and troubleshooting the Voyager spacecraft often feels like a form of technological archaeology.

As the spacecraft continue to venture farther from the Sun, they also face the harsh realities of the interstellar medium. The extreme cold and low energy environment pose a constant threat to the spacecraft's instruments and power supply. To combat this, NASA regularly makes difficult decisions to switch off certain instruments to conserve energy and extend the operational life of the spacecraft.

Despite these challenges, the Voyager team remains committed to the mission. In the words of Project Manager Suzanne Dodd, "The Voyagers have been deep space rock stars since launch, and we want to keep it that way as long as possible!"

Launched in 1977, the Voyager spacecrafts have been on a journey of discovery for over four decades, sending back invaluable data about our solar system and beyond. The twin spacecrafts have outlived their initial mission life expectancy by many years, a testament to the exceptional engineering and planning by NASA scientists.

According to Dr. Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager, "These spacecrafts have proven to be robust and durable, despite the harsh environment of space. However, as they continue to travel further away from Earth, the power demands to operate all the instruments and communicate with Earth become increasingly challenging."

To extend the life of the Voyager spacecrafts, and to ensure they continue to send back data for as long as possible, NASA has begun turning off certain non-essential instruments. The decision to switch off these instruments wasn't made lightly, but it's a necessary step to maximize the longevity of the mission.

"We are doing everything we can to keep the Voyagers operational and productive on their interstellar journey," says Dr. Dodd. "Every day we get from these spacecrafts is a gift." The dedication of the team at NASA ensures that the legacy of the Voyager mission will continue to inspire future generations of space explorers.

The Voyager missions, which have been carrying out pioneering interstellar exploration since their launch in the 1970s, continue to be an invaluable source of scientific knowledge about our universe. Despite the ongoing power challenges they face, the dedicated team at NASA is committed to prolonging their operational life for as long as possible. The decision to switch off certain instruments, although difficult, demonstrates this commitment and secures the Voyagers' place as "deep space rock stars."

As they journey further into the unknown, the Voyager spacecraft represent the enduring human spirit of exploration and curiosity. Each day may indeed be their last, but the data they continue to send back to us is a testament to humanity's ability to reach beyond our own planet and grasp at the mysteries of the cosmos.

And so, the Voyagers continue on their journey, silent but for the hum of their remaining instruments, travelling ever onward into the vast expanse of space. It is a journey that, much like our own quest for knowledge and understanding, has no foreseeable end. Every day brings new possibilities and, with them, the promise of further discovery.

Source: https://www.space.com/nasa-switches-off-voyager-instruments-to-extend-life-of-the-two-interstellar-spacecraft