TLDR: NASA has powered down two scientific instruments on the Voyager spacecraft to conserve power and extend their operational lives. This decision aims to ensure continued data transmission from Voyager 1 and 2, which have been exploring the solar system for over 45 years.
Nasa's twin Voyager spacecraft, which have been exploring the outer reaches of our solar system for more than 45 years, have recently undergone a significant operational change. To conserve power and extend their operational lives, NASA has decided to power down two of the scientific instruments aboard these remarkable probes. This decision comes as a part of a strategic plan to ensure that both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 can continue to transmit valuable data back to Earth for as long as possible.
The two instruments that have been switched off are the Cosmic Ray Subsystem (CRS) and the Plasma Wave Science instrument. These instruments have played a crucial role in helping scientists understand the environment of space beyond our solar system. However, as the spacecraft move further away from the Sun, they receive less solar energy, prompting the need for such conservation measures.
The Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, have provided an unprecedented wealth of information about our solar system. Voyager 1, currently the farthest human-made object from Earth, has traveled over 14 billion miles, while Voyager 2 has also ventured into interstellar space. Both spacecraft have made groundbreaking discoveries, including the first detailed images of the outer planets and their moons.
NASA engineers have been closely monitoring the power levels of the spacecraft and assessing the health of their systems. The decision to turn off the CRS and Plasma Wave instruments is part of a broader effort to prioritize the most critical scientific measurements and maintain communication with mission control. By focusing on essential data collection, the team hopes to continue receiving insights from these historic probes for several more years.
As Voyager 1 and 2 continue their journey through the cosmos, they serve as a testament to human ingenuity and curiosity. The mission not only enhances our understanding of the solar system but also inspires future generations of scientists and explorers. As we look to the stars, the legacy of the Voyager missions reminds us of the importance of exploration and the quest for knowledge beyond our planet.