NASA engineers have found a way to extend the operation of the scientific instruments of the Voyager 2 spacecraft, launched in
Both Voyagers are powered by radioisotopethermoelectric generators. These devices convert the heat of decaying plutonium into electricity. The continuous process of decay means that the generator produces less and less energy every year. So far, the power cut has not affected the scientific results of the missions, but to compensate for the loss, engineers have previously turned off heaters and auxiliary systems that are not necessary to keep the spacecraft flying.
After these possibilities have been exhausted,the next step was to shut down one of five scientific instruments this year on Voyager 2 and one of four next year on Voyager 1. On this probe, one of the devices failed at the very beginning of the mission, so lower power consumption gives it a year of "handicap".
In search of an alternative solution, researchersstudied a safety mechanism designed to protect appliances in the event of a significant voltage change. In this case, the ships are equipped with a voltage regulator, for which a small amount of energy is reserved. NASA has decided that the Voyager 2 mission will now use this reserve to keep the scientific instruments running.
Stable work for 45 years saysthat the ship can do without this protection, the engineers say. If the new power supply scheme is successfully tested on Voyager 2, a similar approach will be used to extend the life of its twin's instruments.
The scientific data that the Voyagers returnbecome more valuable the farther they get from the sun, so we definitely have an interest in keeping as many scientific instruments working as possible for as long as possible.
Linda Spilker, Voyager Project Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Previously, Hi-Tech talked about the history of the longest operating space mission and key research results.
Read more:
Bears separated in childhood reunited: the zoo told how it all went
Light in the early universe: a new theory changes the way it was
See what happened to Mercury when it got as close as possible to the Sun
Cover image: NASA/JPL-Caltech