NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, a veteran of space exploration, has run into a computer malfunction, disrupting its communication with Earth. This issue has arisen as the probe, now 46 years into its journey, ventures into the unexplored regions at the edge of our solar system.
The spacecraft’s engineers diligently work to resolve the problem while Voyager 1, positioned approximately 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, continues its historic expedition. Its counterpart, Voyager 2, has traveled over 12 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) and, like Voyager 1, is in interstellar space, a region beyond the sun’s magnetic field and particle bubble known as the heliosphere.
Originally intended for a five-year mission, the Voyager probes have surpassed expectations, becoming the longest-operating spacecraft in history. Following their successful flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, their extended missions have provided invaluable insights about our solar system and the universe beyond.
Despite their longevity, the Voyager missions have faced their share of challenges. Voyager 1 has three onboard computers, including a flight data system that gathers and transmits scientific and engineering data to Earth in binary code. This system seems to be sending the same data pattern, similar to a looping scenario.
The problem was first detected on November 14, when the repetitive data pattern was observed. Although Voyager 1 can still receive and execute commands from Earth, it cannot return any science or engineering data due to this issue.
NASA engineers have attempted to reset the flight data system, but no useful data has been received. The team is working to understand the root cause of the problem, a process that could take weeks. This isn’t the first time Voyager 1 has faced such an issue; a similar situation occurred in 1981.
The challenges the Voyager probes face are unique, as the mission team relies on original manuals from decades ago. The team is cautious in sending commands, considering the long 22.5-hour one-way communication delay due to Voyager 1’s distance.
Efforts to sustain the Voyager probes continue, with instruments being gradually turned off to conserve power. Both spacecraft have experienced communication issues, including a seven-month communication blackout with Voyager 2 in 2020. Innovative techniques have been employed to overcome these challenges and extend the missions of these remarkable spacecraft.
Despite the hurdles, the primary value of the Voyager mission lies in its extended duration, offering insights into changes in particles and magnetic fields in space. The mission team remains committed to solving these challenges, acknowledging that issues are expected with spacecraft operating far beyond their intended lifespan.