 "NASA successfully resolves Voyager 1’s thruster issues, enabling the aging spacecraft to continue its journey through interstellar space.")
NASA has resolved an issue with the thrusters of the Voyager 1 probe, which is currently about 24 billion kilometers from Earth in interstellar space. After 47 years of operation, some fuel tubes became clogged. Engineers have successfully switched to a different set of thrusters to maintain the spacecraft’s connection with Earth for data transmission. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 continues to send valuable scientific information back to Earth. Voyager 2, launched shortly after, is also exploring interstellar space. As both spacecraft travel far from our solar system, they are expected to pass by nearby stars in tens of thousands of years, continuing their journey through the Milky Way galaxy.
NASA Successfully Resolves Thruster Issues for Voyager 1
NASA announced on September 12, 2024, that it has successfully fixed a problem with the thrusters of its Voyager 1 probe. Currently located about 24 billion kilometers from Earth, Voyager 1 is in interstellar space. The spacecraft’s thrusters are crucial for aligning its antennas to maintain communication with Earth. However, after an impressive 47 years in space, NASA noticed some fuel tubes had become clogged.
In a blog post, NASA explained, “Engineers working on Voyager 1 have mitigated an issue with the spacecraft’s thrusters, which keep the distant explorer pointed at Earth.” The spacecraft was launched in 1977 and has been sending back valuable data since it crossed into interstellar space in August 2012.
Alongside its twin, Voyager 2, Voyager 1 is one of the only spacecraft to ever venture beyond the heliosphere, the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun. The distance involved is incredible, with light taking around 22 hours and 49 minutes to reach Voyager 1 from Earth.
Despite nearing the end of its nuclear power source, Voyager 1 continues to operate essential functions as it nears its 50th year in space. The spacecraft has been switching between thrusters to manage the effects of chemicals from rubber components clogging its fuel tubes. Earlier this year, after a temporary malfunction, Voyager 1 resumed sending data from all four of its scientific instruments, which monitor plasma waves, magnetic fields, and particles in this uncharted space.
Today, Voyager 1 moves through space at an astounding speed of roughly 38,000 miles per hour, traveling towards the Solar Apex, while Voyager 2 is not far behind at about 34,390 miles per hour. Both probes will eventually pass other stars, with Voyager 1 expected to come within 1.6 light-years of a star in the constellation Camelopardalis in about 40,000 years.
As humanity continues to explore the vast universe, the Voyagers are set to roam the Milky Way galaxy for eternity, reminding us of the endless curiosity that drives space exploration.
Tags: NASA, Voyager 1, interstellar space, space exploration, scientific instruments, heliosphere, thruster issues, deep space.
What is the news about NASA’s probe?
NASA has switched on the thrusters of a probe that is 24 billion kilometers away from Earth to help it continue its journey in space.
Why is this probe important?
This probe, called Voyager 1, helps scientists learn more about deep space and contains valuable data about our solar system and beyond.
How long has Voyager 1 been in space?
Voyager 1 was launched in 1977, so it has been exploring space for more than 46 years.
What will happen next with the probe?
NASA will continue to use the thrusters to steer Voyager 1 and keep it sending back information for as long as possible.
Can we communicate with Voyager 1?
Yes, NASA can still communicate with Voyager 1, but it takes over 22 hours for signals to travel between Earth and the probe.
