According to NASA, Voyager 2 requires a major interstellar power adjustment to keep its remaining science instruments running in deep space. Engineers recently reduced power demands by shutting off non-science devices and switching to lower-power alternatives that keep the spacecraft warm at roughly 142 astronomical units from the sun.
Power Margins Grow Razor Thin for Interstellar Probes
NASA officials stated that the mission, managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, faces a dwindling power supply from its radioisotope thermoelectric generators. These nuclear batteries rely on decaying plutonium, dropping supply by about four watts every year on each spacecraft.
The resulting energy deficit forces tough choices. According to NASA, spacecraft power margins have grown razor thin. Engineers must continually conserve energy by shutting off non-essential systems just to keep the probes functioning in the harsh environment of interstellar space.
Did you know? A signal sent from Earth to either Voyager spacecraft takes nearly 24 hours—or one full light-day—to make a single one-way journey across the solar system.
Science Instruments Shut Down Since 2024
The steady drop in power is taking a measurable science toll on the mission. According to NASA data, both Voyager probes have turned off two science instruments each since 2024 alone. While some shutdowns happened decades ago after historic planetary flybys, recent losses stem strictly from power requirements.
Each spacecraft originally launched with 10 instruments. Today, Voyager 2 operates with only three active instruments. A planned shutdown of another instrument slated for later this year was averted thanks to the recent power shift, which NASA says will keep all three remaining instruments running for at least another year.
Upcoming “Big Bang” Power Changes for Voyager 1
NASA plans to implement the same “Big Bang” power adjustment on Voyager 1 in the coming months. Voyager 1 currently sits even further from Earth than its twin, nearing 171 astronomical units, compared to Voyager 2’s 142 AU.
Launched to capitalize on a rare alignment of outer solar system gas giants, the twins mapped Jupiter and Saturn before separating. Voyager 1 flew above the plane of the solar system, while Voyager 2 visited Uranus and Neptune by 1989. Voyager 1 entered interstellar space in 2012, followed by Voyager 2 in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far away are the Voyager spacecraft?
According to NASA, Voyager 1 is Earth’s most distant spacecraft, currently located roughly 15.9 billion miles away, while Voyager 2 is positioned at approximately 142 astronomical units from the sun.
What powers the Voyager probes?
The spacecraft rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which use heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of plutonium.
How many instruments are still working on Voyager 2?
Voyager 2 currently operates with three remaining science instruments following a series of power-driven shutdowns.
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