NASA's twin Voyager spacecraft are very low on power after nearly 50 years. How long can they keep going?

space.com May 9, 2026

NASA’s twin Voyager spacecraft are very low on power after nearly 50 years. How long can they keep going?

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · May 9, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

NASA's twin Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, are running low on power after nearly 50 years of exploring interstellar space. The probes, which crossed into interstellar space in 2012 and 2018, have had their instruments turned off one by one as power supplies dwindled. A planned maneuver in 2026 aims to give them more time, but their operational lives are numbered, with some instruments already shut off due to power requirements.

💡 Why It Matters

· The Voyager probes' longevity is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of space exploration.
· Their continued operation will provide scientists with valuable data on the interstellar medium, potentially shedding light on the origins of our solar system and the universe beyond.

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