NASA turns off the equipment of the farthest spacecraft in history

In order to save energy for the next exploration, the team of engineers at NASA’s jet thrust laboratory (JPL) has terminated the operation of the space ray system on the Voyager train on February 25. On March 24, they will turn off the low -energy particle device on Voyager 2.

Launched in 1977 and brought the same 10 scientific equipment set, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 to the Sao Sao space in 2012 and 2018. They flew a total of 46.7 billion km, becoming the artificial objects from the farthest Earth.

“Voyager ships have been ‘stars’ in the deep space since launching, and we want to maintain that as long as possible. But the power source is gradually shallow. If we do not turn off a device on each Voyager ship now, perhaps they can only operate a few months,” Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at JPL, said.

Both voyager ships produce heat from the heat from the plutonium radio isotope. This radioactive energy system reduces about 4 watts of electricity per year. In the 1980s, some devices on both ships were turned off because they completed the study of huge planets of the solar system. This also helps to increase the life of them.

“The Voyager duo has far exceeded the original task of studying the planets on the outer edge. Since then, each data bit that we collected is not only a valuable scientific reward for the sun physics, but also a testament to the model technique that was included in Voyager – starting nearly 50 years ago and continuing to date,” Patrick Koehh, the scientist participated in the Voyager program.

The Voyager duo is the only artificial objects that reach the Sao Sao space, which means that the data they collect is unique. Therefore, the decision to turn off any device on Voyager 1 or Voyager 2 must consider carefully. Turning off the space ray system and low -energy particle equipment will help them have one more year of adventure before having to turn off another device.

Thus, both spacecraft have 3 operating devices, expected to drop to two by 2026. Scientists hope that Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 will have a device operating in the 2030s. However, unexpected situations may occur to change this plan.

“Every minute of every day, the Voyager duo explores an area that no spacecraft has ever come. That also means that every day can be the last day. But that day can also bring a new discovery about the inter -star space. JPL, said.