The Voyager spacecraft, the farthest exploration into the Universe by humanity, holds immense significance for many. Despite the understanding that all scientific missions must come to an end eventually, a recent scare involving Voyager 1’s near-death experience was a cause for concern. However, fortunately, the spacecraft seems to have stabilized, with all four remaining scientific instruments now operational and transmitting data.
After completing its primary mission over four decades ago, five instruments, including cameras, were disabled to conserve power. Two more instruments had also failed over time. This left only four functioning instruments: the magnetometer (MAG), charged particle (LECP), cosmic ray (CRS), and plasma wave subsystem (PWS). Recent data confirmed that these instruments are now back online and collecting valuable information.
With Voyager 1 now operating normally again, some routine maintenance tasks are necessary to ensure that it remains in good condition for its upcoming 47th anniversary this fall. These tasks include resynchronizing the onboard time and performing maintenance on the digital tape recorder. Thanks to Mark Stevens for providing this update on Voyager 1’s latest status.
