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This thread is a general discussion about the Voyager 1 and 2 space probes launched in 1977. These old timers were designed to last around 4 - 5 years as they explored the planets, but have ended up lasting around 46 years and counting due to quality engineering and the dedicated people at mission control - an absolutely amazing achievement!
First, a good news story about contact with Voyager 2 being restored after almost two weeks of radio silience:
Second, how the probes keep going for such a long time. Unfortunately, they've only got roughly another 2 - 3 years left as their plutonium power supplies (yes, they're nuclear powered) will run out then. NASA, you shoulda sent them out with a bigger battery!
What amazes me is how the signal strength is still enough to communicate both ways across 15 billion miles amid all the radio interference from stars. That's astounding.
First, a good news story about contact with Voyager 2 being restored after almost two weeks of radio silience:
Voyager 2: Nasa fully back in contact with lost space probe
Voyager 2 has restored its communication with Earth months earlier than expected.
www.bbc.co.uk
Second, how the probes keep going for such a long time. Unfortunately, they've only got roughly another 2 - 3 years left as their plutonium power supplies (yes, they're nuclear powered) will run out then. NASA, you shoulda sent them out with a bigger battery!
What amazes me is how the signal strength is still enough to communicate both ways across 15 billion miles amid all the radio interference from stars. That's astounding.
