Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object from Earth, has recently undergone a critical adjustment to its thruster system as it navigates the vast expanse of interstellar space. Despite being operational for 47 years, the spacecraft required a clever fix to maintain its alignment and continue sending valuable data back to Earth.
Voyager 1’s Thruster Issue
Voyager 1, launched in 1977, faced difficulties with its thrusters, which are essential for keeping the spacecraft oriented correctly. The problem stemmed from a fuel tube clogging issue, a known problem that has affected the spacecraft for over two decades. The ageing spacecraft, which relies on a dwindling power supply, needed a strategic switch to a different set of thrusters to avoid potential communication loss.
The Complex Fix
Due to the spacecraft’s advanced age and diminished power, engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) had to approach the problem with extra caution. The team decided to repurpose one of Voyager 1’s attitude thruster branches, which had been inactive due to severe cold and power constraints.
To address this, they briefly activated a heater to warm the thruster before switching it on. This manoeuvre was critical to ensure the spacecraft remained properly oriented and capable of relaying data.
Voyager’s Ongoing Mission
Voyager 1, along with its twin Voyager 2, was originally launched to explore the outer reaches of the solar system. Over time, both spacecraft have provided invaluable information about distant planets and the space beyond our solar system. Despite the technical hurdles, Voyager 1 continues to send data and is expected to remain operational through at least the 50th anniversary of its mission in 2027.
Future Prospects
Engineers at JPL are committed to maintaining the spacecraft’s functionality as long as possible. The recent adjustments demonstrate the ongoing ingenuity required to manage and extend the life of these historic missions. As Voyager 1 ventures further into interstellar space, its ability to adapt to new challenges will continue to be proof of the longevity and resilience of human space exploration.