NASA's Voyager Probes Face Imminent Shutdown as Power Fades

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Source: Jalopnik
NASA's Voyager Probes Face Imminent Shutdown as Power Fades
Photo: Jalopnik
TL;DR Summary

NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, launched in 1977, are nearing the end of their missions as their nuclear batteries deplete. These batteries, which convert heat from decaying Plutonium-238 into energy, are running low, prompting NASA to gradually shut down systems to conserve power. Despite communication challenges, both probes continue to send data from beyond the heliosphere, with hopes they will last until their 50th anniversary in 2027. Once power is exhausted, the probes will drift indefinitely through space.

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