Voyager: at edge of our solar system

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SUMMARY

The Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched 36 years ago, has successfully crossed into interstellar space, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Recent findings indicate that the transition from the solar wind to the interstellar medium is more complex than previously thought, with unexpected behavior of galactic cosmic rays and magnetic fields. Researchers, including physicist Stamatios Krimigis from Johns Hopkins University, emphasize that existing models do not accurately predict these phenomena. Voyager's power source, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator using plutonium-238, is expected to remain functional for another 20 years, after which the spacecraft will continue its journey through the galaxy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heliophysics and the solar wind
  • Familiarity with cosmic rays and their sources
  • Knowledge of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs)
  • Basic concepts of interstellar space and the Oort Cloud
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of the heliosphere and its boundaries
  • Study the behavior of galactic cosmic rays in interstellar space
  • Learn about the design and function of radioisotope thermoelectric generators
  • Explore the implications of Voyager's findings for future interstellar missions
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, space enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the exploration of interstellar space and the technological advancements of space probes.

  • #31
There are two reasons that the Voyagers' computers are so puny.
  • When they were designed and built - the mid 1970's.
  • The necessity of being hardened against ionizing radiation.

Rad-hard chips are always some years behind their civilian counterparts. Consider What Powers the Mars Curiosity Rover? | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
That rover has a 200-MHz CPU with 256-MB RAM, 256-MB EEPROM, and 2-GB flash memory.
Its CPU is a BAE RAD 750, a rad-hard version of the IBM 750 one (mid 1990's).

Its predecessors are the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, launched in 2003.
Each of them has a 20-MHz CPU with 128-MB RAM, 3-MB EEPROM, and 256-MB flash memory.
Their CPU's are an IBM RAD6000, a rad-hard version of the RISC Single Chip for IBM RS/6000 workstations (early 1990's).

RAD6000 chips have been used in numerous spacecraft , so these Mars rovers are not exceptional.
 

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