{"id":320198,"date":"2023-04-26T11:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=migration&p=320198"},"modified":"2024-03-01T09:40:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:40:12","slug":"nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/voyager-program\/voyager-2\/nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s Voyager Will Do More Science With New Power Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg?w=320\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"The Voyager proof test model, shown at NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976, was a direct replica of the twin Voyager space probes that launched in 1977.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg?resize=239,300 239w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg?resize=318,400 318w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Voyager proof test model, shown in a space simulator chamber at JPL in 1976, was a replica of the twin Voyager space probes that launched in 1977. The model\u2019s scan platform stretches to the right, holding several of the spacecraft\u2019s science instruments in their deployed positions.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong> Language was added in the second paragraph on May 1 to underscore that the mission will continue even after a science instrument is retired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The plan will keep Voyager 2\u2019s science instruments turned on a few years longer than previously anticipated, enabling yet more revelations from interstellar space.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Launched in 1977, the Voyager 2 spacecraft is more than 12 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) from Earth, using five science instruments to study interstellar space. To help keep those instruments operating despite a diminishing power supply, the aging spacecraft has begun using a small reservoir of backup power set aside as part of an onboard safety mechanism. The move will enable the mission to postpone shutting down a science instrument until 2026, rather than this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Switching off a science instrument will not end the mission. After shutting off the one instrument in 2026, the probe will continue to operate four science instruments until the declining power supply requires another to be turned off. If Voyager 2 remains healthy, the engineering team anticipates the mission could potentially continue for years to come<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Voyager 2 and its twin Voyager 1 are the only spacecraft ever to operate outside the heliosphere, the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun. The probes are helping scientists answer questions about the shape of the heliosphere and its role in protecting Earth from the energetic particles and other radiation found in the interstellar environment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe science data that the Voyagers are returning gets more valuable the farther away from the Sun they go, so we are definitely interested in keeping as many science instruments operating as long as possible,\u201d said Linda Spilker, Voyager\u2019s project scientist at NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission for NASA.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/e-voyager-rtg-web.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"406\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/e-voyager-rtg-web.jpg?w=320\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Each of NASA\u2019s Voyager probes are equipped with three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), including the one shown here.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/e-voyager-rtg-web.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/e-voyager-rtg-web.jpg?resize=236,300 236w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/e-voyager-rtg-web.jpg?resize=315,400 315w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Each of NASA\u2019s Voyager probes are equipped with three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), including the one shown here. The RTGs provide power for the spacecraft by converting the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 into electricity.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">\u00a0NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Power to the Probes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Voyager probes power themselves with radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. The continual decay process means the generator produces slightly less power each year. So far, the declining power supply hasn\u2019t impacted the mission\u2019s science output, but to compensate for the loss, engineers have turned off heaters and other systems that are not essential to keeping the spacecraft flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With those options now exhausted on Voyager 2, one of the spacecraft\u2019s five science instruments was next on their list. (Voyager 1 is operating one less science instrument than its twin because an instrument failed early in the mission. As a result, the decision about whether to turn off an instrument on Voyager 1 won\u2019t come until sometime next year.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In search of a way to avoid shutting down a Voyager 2 science instrument, the team took a closer look at a safety mechanism designed to protect the instruments in case the spacecraft\u2019s voltage \u2013 the flow of electricity \u2013 changes significantly. Because a fluctuation in voltage could damage the instruments, Voyager is equipped with a voltage regulator that triggers a backup circuit in such an event. The circuit can access a small amount of power from the RTG that\u2019s set aside for this purpose. Instead of reserving that power, the mission will now be using it to keep the science instruments operating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the spacecraft\u2019s voltage will not be tightly regulated as a result, even after more than 45 years in flight, the electrical systems on both probes remain relatively stable, minimizing the need for a safety net. The engineering team is also able to monitor the voltage and respond if it fluctuates too much. If the new approach works well for Voyager 2, the team may implement it on Voyager 1 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cVariable voltages pose a risk to the instruments, but we\u2019ve determined that it\u2019s a small risk, and the alternative offers a big reward of being able to keep the science instruments turned on longer,\u201d said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager\u2019s project manager at JPL. \u201cWe\u2019ve been monitoring the spacecraft for a few weeks, and it seems like this new approach is working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Voyager mission was originally scheduled to last only four years, sending both probes past Saturn and Jupiter. NASA extended the mission so that Voyager 2 could visit Neptune and Uranus; it is still the only spacecraft ever to have encountered the ice giants. In 1990, NASA extended the mission again, this time with the goal of sending the probes outside the heliosphere. Voyager 1 reached the boundary in 2012, while Voyager 2 (traveling slower and in a different direction than its twin) reached it in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More About the Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A division of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL built and operates the Voyager spacecraft. The Voyager missions are a part of the NASA Heliophysics System Observatory, sponsored by the Heliophysics Division of the Science Mission Directorate in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the Voyager spacecraft, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/voyager\">https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/voyager<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calla Cofield<br><\/strong>Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.<br>626-808-2469<br><a href=\"mailto:calla.e.cofield@jpl.nasa.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">calla.e.cofield@jpl.nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2023-059<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The plan will keep Voyager 2\u2019s science instruments turned on a few years longer than previously anticipated, enabling yet more revelations from interstellar space.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":321254,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[9422,2860,13162,2661,2828,2658,9421,2797],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[8605,8612,13068],"coauthors":[12651],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"NASA\u2019s Voyager Will Do More Science With New Power Strategy","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/voyager-program\/voyager-2\/nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/voyager-program\/voyager-2\/nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg"},"articleSection":"Missions","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Jet Propulsion Laboratory"}],"creator":["Jet Propulsion Laboratory"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Missions","Voyager Program","Voyager 2","Jet Propulsion Laboratory","Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS)","Technology","Technology for Space Travel","The Solar System","Voyager 1"],"dateCreated":"2023-04-26T15:19:00Z","datePublished":"2023-04-26T15:19:00Z","dateModified":"2024-03-01T14:40:12Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"NASA\u2019s Voyager Will Do More Science With New Power Strategy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/voyager-program\/voyager-2\/nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2023-04-26T15:19:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Missions\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Missions,Voyager Program,Voyager 2,Jet Propulsion Laboratory,Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS),Technology,Technology for Space Travel,The Solar System,Voyager 1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Jet Propulsion Laboratory\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":5,"time_ago":"1 year","featured_image":{"id":321254,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom.jpg","title":"1-pia21734-voyager_cleanroom","alt":"The Voyager proof test model, shown at NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976, was a direct replica of the twin Voyager space probes that launched in 1977.","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320198"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=320198"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":625209,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320198\/revisions\/625209"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/321254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=320198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=320198"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=320198"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=320198"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=320198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}