The end of Voyager 1 and 2 probes is near. NASA is slowly shutting them down. They have been traveling through space for 45 years

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Space Nuclear Engine Tests

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Voyager 1 and 2 missions are one of the most spectacular successes in the history of space exploration. Voyager 1 was launched in September 1977, 16 days after the launch of Voyager 2. However, there is no confusion in the nomenclature, because Voyager 1 – despite being the second flew – outranked the twin spacecraft.

Today, both probes are 45 years old, but they are still operational and conducting research. Currently (Voyager 1 from 2012, Voyager 2 from 2018) are already beyond the boundary of the Solar System – in interstellar space.

NASA on the end of Voyager probes. He will try to extend their lives

However, there are many indications that their time is running out. As we read in the Scientific American journal, engineers NASA in the coming weeks or months, they will gradually turn off individual elements of the Voyager probes. In this way, scientists want to minimize energy consumption and extend their life.

All because the objects are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators that produce relatively little energy electricity (We described their principle of operation during the flight of the Perseverance rover equipped with a similar generator). In addition, their efficiency gradually declines over the years and soon they will not be able to generate enough energy for the Voyager probes.

Researchers therefore want to ensure the right dose of electricity for key components. Thanks to this – according to the calculations of researchers – electricity should be sufficient to conduct basic research and communication of Voyager with the Earth until the maximum of 2030. For the plan to work, almost everything on board these probes must be shut down.

In the last three years, the probe team turned off the heating of five scientific probe instruments. Surprisingly, they still work today, even though they work in temperatures well below the minimum.

It is worth mentioning that in May this year. NASA reported minor problems encountered by the Voyager 1 probe. Although the probe works properly, it sends strange signals to Earth from the probe positioning system (used to make position corrections). Scientists are currently trying to discover what may be causing the falsification of data from this system.

Na end a curiosity. The team responsible for the construction of the Voyager probes equipped both ships with golden plates (“Voyager Golden Record”) of recorded images and sounds from the Earth. They contain basic information about life on Earth for possible extraterrestrial civilizations or future Earthlings who would be able to find and intercept Voyager.

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