NASA is preparing for the end of its two Voyager probes, which have been traveling through space since 1977. The nuclear batteries that power them are running out of energy, and the mission team is slowly shutting down systems one by one.
The Voyagers were launched with plutonium-powered radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that could last for about 60 years. However, as the isotopes decay, the power output decreases, forcing NASA to make tough decisions on which instruments to keep running.
Only four instruments remain active onboard Voyager 1 and 2, including a magnetometer that studies the galactic environment. Communication with Earth is still possible, thanks to regained contact with Voyager 1 last month.
The teams behind the probes are hoping they will survive until their 50th anniversary in 2027. However, once power fades, the Voyagers will continue on their trajectory and eventually impact an unknown celestial object.
“We’re relieved that both probes have operated long enough to reach this milestone,” said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager. “Now we look forward to learning from having them outside the heliopause.”
Source: https://jalopnik.com/nuclear-hearts-of-nasa-s-voyager-probes-are-dying-takin-1851713066