NASA has figured out how to extend the operation of the Voyager 2 space probe instruments

Scientific instruments of the Voyager-2 spacecraft will work longer than expected. This was reported by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Due to the gradual loss of energy supply, scientists planned to turn off one of the five scientific instruments of the device that explores interstellar space already this year. However, redirecting the small amounts of energy reserved as part of the on-board safety mechanism will avoid this. Now all scientific instruments of Voyager-2 will work until 2026. If everything goes as planned, the method can be used for Voyager 1 as well.

“The science data that the Voyagers are returning gets more valuable the farther away from the Sun they go, so we are definitely interested in keeping as many science instruments operating as long as possible,” said Linda Spilker, Voyager’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission for NASA.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes were launched in 1977. Both are still operating and collecting unprecedented data about the heliosphere and its protective properties.

We will remind you that last year Voyager-1, which explores space outside the solar system, faced a strange problem. It started transmitting incorrect telemetry data – while its other systems were working fine.