NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
4 hours ago
- #NASA mission
- #Voyager 1
- #space exploration
- NASA shut down the LECP instrument on Voyager 1 to conserve power and extend its interstellar mission.
- Voyager 1 is losing about 4 watts of power annually due to its aging radioisotope thermoelectric generator.
- The shutdown order was predetermined by science and engineering teams to prioritize remaining instruments.
- Engineers plan a 'Big Bang' energy-saving fix for both Voyagers, starting with Voyager 2 in 2026.
- Voyager 1 still operates two instruments for plasma waves and magnetic fields, sending unique data from deep space.