A broken thruster jeopardized Voyager 1, but engineers executed a remote fix

a year ago

NASA faced a critical decision regarding Voyager 1's communication due to a failing backup thruster system.
Voyager 1 has been using backup thrusters since 2004 after the primary system failed, but residue buildup threatened the backup's functionality.
Deep Space Station 43, essential for sending commands to Voyager 1, was scheduled for upgrades, limiting communication opportunities.
Engineers successfully tested the dormant primary thrusters on March 20, avoiding potential catastrophic failure.
Both Voyager spacecraft show signs of aging but remain operational, with hopes to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2027.
Voyager missions provide invaluable data on outer planets and interstellar space, unique in robotic exploration history.
Scientists continue to study solar activity's effects in interstellar space through data from the Voyager probes.

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