The End Is Near for NASA’s Voyager Probes

In an unprecedented mission that has lasted over four decades, NASA’s Voyager probes are nearing their final days of operation. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were designed to study the outer planets of our solar system, but have gone above and beyond their original mission parameters.

Both probes have sent back invaluable data and images of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, as well as the Kuiper Belt and interstellar space. Voyager 1 even holds the title of the farthest human-made object from Earth.

Despite their incredible longevity, both probes are running low on power as their nuclear reactors continue to decay. Scientists at NASA are making the difficult decision to gradually shut down instruments on the probes in order to conserve power for as long as possible.

Once the probes are no longer able to communicate with Earth, they will continue their journey through space, possibly for millions of years. Voyager 1 is expected to run out of power by 2025, followed by Voyager 2 in 2027.

The end of the Voyager probes’ mission marks the end of an era in space exploration, but their legacy will live on in the data they have collected and the scientific discoveries they have enabled. As we say goodbye to these intrepid explorers, we can only marvel at the incredible achievements they have made possible.