Cav's Place

The Voyagers turn 45 today. Or, more exactly, Voyager 2 does, since Voyager 1 was actually launched later, on September 5. But that date is only a little over two weeks away and, despite the existing problems, there should be no risk of a major failure in such a short time. Whether they’ll both still be operational in five more years, when they’ll turn 50, is another matter, but I’m sure that the teams are doing everything possible to mitigate the problems with the thrusters and any others which already exist or may arise and improve their chances of at least still being able to communicate with Earth at that point. Remaining useful from a scientific point of view as well may be harder, considering the reduced amount of power and the fact that, for this very reason, the heaters had to be turned off, making the instruments remain at temperatures that are far below those that they were designed for, but at this point, and with years of measurements from what can be considered as interstellar space already provided, that would just be a bonus, albeit a highly desirable one.
Of course, while the fact that the Voyagers remain operational after such a long time is a reason for celebration, the fact that nothing follows them either out there, not counting New Horizons because that’s a far less ambitious mission and with a different purpose, nor to Uranus, Neptune or even Saturn, is one for disappointment, sadness, anger… And for demands of change, which is as needed in the sector of space exploration as in many others, and much more relevant and necessary than many believe. But there’s little point in just repeating this yet again here, though I will finish this by once again linking to that excellent reminder of the importance and impact of space exploration.