I Voyager Spacecraft beginning to Power Down

AI Thread Summary
The Voyager spacecraft, originally intended for a four-year mission, have exceeded expectations and are now over 44 years old, making significant discoveries. Engineers opted for more durable components, anticipating future opportunities that would arise only once every 176 years. The spacecraft rely on thermoelectric power from decaying radioactive materials, which limits their operational lifespan, though they may have enough power for another decade if some experiments are turned off. Voyager 2 is currently 18 billion miles away, with an 18-hour radio communication delay. The ongoing mission highlights the ingenuity and foresight of the scientists and engineers involved.
Tom.G
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An interesting article on some of the history of, and discoveries by, the 44+ year old Voyager spacecraft s.

The bean counters originally planned a 4 year mission for Voyagers 1&2. However, the scientists and engineers involved saw a golden opportunity that wouldn't repeat for another 176 years.
“But if an engineer had a choice to put in a part that was 10 percent more expensive but wasn't something that was needed for a four-year mission, they just went ahead and did that. And they wouldn't necessarily tell management.”

The crafts use thermoelectric power from decaying radioactives, and they are decaying. There is probably enough power for another 10 years if some of the experiments are shut down.

Voyager 2 is now 18 Billion (18×109) miles away, with a oneway radio link delay of 18hrs. (per the article) using a 23 Watt transmitter and 12ft. dish antenna.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/record-breaking-voyager- spacecraft -begin-to-power-down/

Cheers,
Tom
 
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Tom.G said:
The bean counters originally planned a 4 year mission for Voyagers 1&2. However, the scientists and engineers involved saw a golden opportunity that wouldn't repeat for another 176 years.

“But if an engineer had a choice to put in a part that was 10 percent more expensive but wasn't something that was needed for a four-year mission, they just went ahead and did that. And they wouldn't necessarily tell management.”
That's so fun and cool! :smile:
 
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And they wouldn't necessarily tell management

A good story, but I find that a bit hard to swallow. Somebody had to sign off on the RTG, no? And it's not like you can buy them at "Scooters Bait, Tackle and RTGs".
 
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