Voyager 1 Reconnects With Earth Over Radio Transmitter That Hasn’t Been Used In 47 Years – Jalopnik

The Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977 and now the farthest man-made object from Earth, has just achieved something truly incredible: It’s communicating back with Earth via a radio transmitter that hasn’t been used in 47 years. The probe’s main antenna has malfunctioned in 2022, forcing NASA engineers to turn to a backup, a low-powered, less reliable system. This is a truly momentous achievement for the agency.

According to a NASA news release, “the team determined that one of Voyager 1’s 37-year-old backup radio transmitters was functioning, though it is using an older technology.” The key to this revival was figuring out a way to direct commands to the transmitter by leveraging a combination of preprogrammed instructions and a clever workaround involving the probe’s 180-degree spin. After many days of testing and fine-tuning, Voyager 1 finally responded, proving its ability to send data back to Earth.

This breakthrough holds immense value for our ongoing exploration of the interstellar medium. While the new system might limit the amount of data the probe can send back, it ensures we continue to receive information from the farthest reaches of our solar system and beyond. The spacecraft is the only probe to venture into interstellar space and continues to be a beacon of human ingenuity, transmitting a stream of valuable data.

While we might not hear from Voyager 1 forever, it’s fascinating that engineers managed to exploit the ancient backup transmitter and essentially grant it a second life, 47 years after it was initially built. It’s a powerful testament to the longevity and flexibility of NASA’s ingenuity. Voyager 1 will now keep transmitting its readings from the interstellar medium for an extended period, helping us understand the mysteries of the universe that lie beyond the confines of our solar system.

While this news is captivating, it also sparks some concerns about the future of this incredible journey. It’s no secret that both Voyager probes, originally powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), are nearing the end of their mission. In the coming years, they are expected to enter “safe mode” where their functionality would drastically decrease.

Voyager 1’s ability to tap into its ancient radio transmitter is an awe-inspiring moment in the history of space exploration. It signifies our commitment to reaching beyond the stars and our ability to persevere, even when confronted with unforeseen technical hurdles. With each passing year, as we continue to gather invaluable data, these interstellar emissaries will continue to etch their place as marvels of human achievement in the annals of science.