this post was submitted on 18 Apr 2026
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NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating (science.nasa.gov)
submitted 1 day ago by vogi@piefed.social to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Engineers are confident that shutting down the LECP will give Voyager 1 about a year of breathing room. They are using the time to finalize a more ambitious energy-saving fix for both Voyagers they call “the Big Bang,” which is designed to further extend Voyager operations. The idea is to swap out a group of powered devices all at once — hence the nickname — turning some things off and replacing them with lower-power alternatives to keep the spacecraft warm enough to continue gathering science data.

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[–] mnemonicmonkeys@sh.itjust.works 17 points 1 day ago (1 children)

The Voyager mission launched in 1977. If I recall correctly, it takes roughly 80 years for the planets to realign for that purpose. If I didn't misremember, we're about halfway through waiting.

[–] dhork@lemmy.world 17 points 1 day ago (1 children)

1977....

Roughly 80 years

If I didn't misremember, we're about halfway through waiting.

A bit more than halfway, although sometimes I am shocked by how long ago 1977 was. Wasn't it just, like, 30 years ago or so?

It can't possibly be 49 years ago, can it?

[–] victorz@lemmy.world 12 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

2026 is to 1977 like 1977 is to 1928. 🫣

[–] ivanafterall@lemmy.world 4 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

2026:1985 = 1985:1944

:(

[–] victorz@lemmy.world 2 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

1985 is your birth year or where does that come in?

[–] ivanafterall@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago

Yep. I was just applying the same calculation to my birth year. I'm practically a WWII vet. :(