Once 'dead' thrusters on the farthest spacecraft from Earth are in action again
a year ago
- #Space Exploration
- #NASA
- #Voyager 1
- NASA engineers successfully revived thrusters on Voyager 1, preventing a potential mission failure.
- Voyager 1, launched in 1977, relies on thrusters to maintain orientation and communication with Earth.
- Primary roll thrusters failed in 2004, forcing reliance on backups, which are now at risk due to residue buildup.
- Engineers creatively fixed the primary thrusters by addressing a power supply issue, despite risks.
- A critical test in March 2024 confirmed the thrusters' revival, ensuring continued operation.
- Upgrades to Earth-based antennas temporarily limit communication, adding urgency to the thruster fix.