NASA announced the end date for the Voyager probes mission.
The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft have been exploring space for over 45 years. Launched in 1977, they were originally designed to study the outer planets of our solar system. Today, the probes are traveling more than 15 billion kilometers away from Earth and continue to send data back to our planet. However, this transmission will soon come to an end.
2024-12-05 10:00:21https://naked-science.ru/community/1013080
According to NASA's assessment, the final conclusion of the probes' mission is expected by 2030. Scientists are hopeful that the devices will remain operational until their 50th anniversary.
The reason for this is that the probes rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators powered by plutonium-238. However, over time, the energy source depletes: the power level decreases by approximately four watts per year.
This issue has led specialists to shut down many scientific instruments in order to extend the lifespan of the "Voyagers" as much as possible. Nevertheless, the devices occasionally encounter various challenges, such as losing communication with Earth.