(Dan Tri Newspaper) - 47 years after its launch, the Voyager 1 spacecraft continues to bring back important data from outside the Solar System.
Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 reached interstellar space in 2012, becoming the first spacecraft to cross the boundary of the Solar System (Image: NASA).
In a recent announcement, NASA revealed that the Voyager 1 probe had to use its backup radio transmitter, which had been out of service since 1981.
This is because the ship has experienced recent communication problems and has put itself into a protective state to conserve energy.
The probe then automatically switched off its X-band (primary) radio transmitter and instead switched to the S-band (secondary) radio transmitter, which uses less power.
According to experts, Voyager 1's fault protection system could be triggered for several reasons, such as if the spacecraft overuses its power supply.
If that happens, the spacecraft will shut down all unnecessary systems to conserve energy and maintain the mission.
"The change in the radio transmission system occurred due to a malfunction in the spacecraft's protection system," NASA said in a statement. "This system automatically responds to problems on board."
Reportedly, NASA is examining the data being sent back to determine what happened to Voyager 1. They also shared that they will return the historic spacecraft to normal operation.
Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 reached interstellar space in 2012, becoming the first spacecraft to cross the boundary of the Solar System.
Time spent in deep space has affected the spacecraft's equipment and caused an increasing number of technical problems.
Earlier this year, a research team from NASA had to fix a separate communications glitch that was causing the spacecraft to transmit meaningless messages.
However, NASA will not "abandon" Voyager 1.
The organization has repeatedly stated that despite the probe's advanced age and vast distance from Earth, it remains crucial as a vital source of data from outside the Solar System.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc-cong-nghe/tu-ben-ngoai-he-mat-troi-tau-voyager-1-van-gui-du-lieu-ve-trai-dat-20241031095646144.htm
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