# Voyager program

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Ongoing NASA interstellar program

A poster of the planets and moons visited during the Voyager program.

The **Voyager program** is an American scientific program that employs two [interstellar probes](/source/Interstellar_probe), *[Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1)* and *[Voyager 2](/source/Voyager_2)*. They were launched in 1977 to take advantage of a favorable planetary alignment to explore the two gas giants [Jupiter](/source/Jupiter) and [Saturn](/source/Saturn) and potentially also the ice giants, [Uranus](/source/Uranus) and [Neptune](/source/Neptune)—to [fly near them](/source/Flyby_(spaceflight)) while collecting data for transmission back to Earth. After *Voyager 1* successfully completed its flyby of Saturn and its moon [Titan](/source/Titan_(moon)), it was decided that *Voyager 2* would continue on its pre-planned trajectory to fly by Uranus and Neptune.[1]

After the planetary flybys were complete, decisions were made to keep the probes in operation to explore [interstellar space](/source/Outer_space) and the outer regions of the Solar System. On 25 August 2012, data from *Voyager 1* indicated that it had entered interstellar space.[2] On 5 November 2019, data from *Voyager 2* indicated that it also had entered interstellar space.[3] On 4 November 2019, scientists reported that on 5 November 2018, the *Voyager 2* probe had officially reached the [interstellar medium](/source/Interstellar_medium) (ISM), a region of [outer space](/source/Outer_space) beyond the influence of the [solar wind](/source/Solar_wind), as did *Voyager 1* in 2012.[4][5][6] In August 2018, NASA confirmed, based on results by the *[New Horizons](/source/New_Horizons)* spacecraft, the existence of a "[hydrogen wall](/source/Heliosphere#Hydrogen_wall)" at the outer edges of the Solar System that was first detected in 1992 by the two Voyager spacecraft.[7][8][9]

As of 2026,[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Voyager_program&action=edit) both Voyagers are still in operation beyond the outer boundary of the [heliosphere](/source/Heliosphere) in [interstellar space](/source/Interstellar_space). As of 2024[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Voyager_program&action=edit)*,Voyager 1* was moving with a velocity of 61,000 kilometers per hour (38,000 mph), or 17 km/s, (10.5 miles/second) relative to the Sun, and was 24.5 billion kilometers (164 AU) from the Sun.[10][11] At the same time, *Voyager 2* was moving with a velocity of 55,000 kilometers per hour (34,000 mph), or 15 km/s, relative to the Sun, and was 20.4 billion kilometers (12.7×10^9 mi) from the Sun.[12][11]

The two Voyagers are the only human-made objects to date that have passed into interstellar space — a record they will hold until at least the 2040s — and *Voyager 1* is the farthest human-made object from Earth.[13]

## History

Further information: [Grand Tour program](/source/Grand_Tour_program)

### Mariner Jupiter-Saturn

See also: [Grand Tour program § Mariner Jupiter-Saturn](/source/Grand_Tour_program#Mariner_Jupiter-Saturn)

The trajectories that enabled the Voyager spacecraft to visit the outer planets and achieve velocity to escape the Solar System

Plot of *Voyager 2*'s heliocentric velocity against its distance from the Sun, illustrating the use of gravity assist to accelerate the spacecraft by Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. To observe [Triton](/source/Triton_(moon)), *Voyager 2* passed over Neptune's north pole, resulting in an acceleration out of the plane of the ecliptic and reduced its velocity away from the Sun.[14]

Voyager did things no one predicted, found scenes no one expected, and promises to outlive its inventors. Like a great painting or an abiding institution, it has acquired an existence of its own, a destiny beyond the grasp of its handlers.

— [Stephen J. Pyne](/source/Stephen_J._Pyne)[1]

The two Voyager space probes were originally conceived as part of the [Planetary Grand Tour](/source/Planetary_Grand_Tour) planned during the late 1960s and early 70s that aimed to explore [Jupiter](/source/Jupiter), [Saturn](/source/Saturn), Saturn's moon [Titan](/source/Titan_(moon)), [Uranus](/source/Uranus), [Neptune](/source/Neptune), and [Pluto](/source/Pluto). The mission originated from the [Grand Tour program](/source/Grand_Tour_program), conceptualized by [Gary Flandro](/source/Gary_Flandro), an [aerospace engineer](/source/Aerospace_engineer) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in 1964, which leveraged a rare [planetary alignment](/source/Syzygy_(astronomy)) occurring once every 175 years.[15][16] This alignment allowed a craft to reach all [outer planets](/source/Outer_planets) using [gravitational assists](/source/Gravitational_assist). The mission was to send several pairs of probes and gained momentum in 1966 when it was endorsed by [NASA](/source/NASA)'s [Jet Propulsion Laboratory](/source/Jet_Propulsion_Laboratory). However, in December 1971, the Grand Tour mission was canceled when funding was redirected to the [Space Shuttle program](/source/Space_Shuttle_program).[17]

In 1972, a scaled-down (four planets, two identical spacecraft) mission was proposed, utilizing a spacecraft derived from the [Mariner](/source/Mariner_program) series, initially intended to be [Mariner 11](/source/Mariner_11) and [Mariner 12](/source/Mariner_12). The [gravity-assist](/source/Gravity-assist) technique, successfully demonstrated by [Mariner 10](/source/Mariner_10), would be used to achieve significant velocity changes by maneuvering through an intermediate planet's [gravitational field](/source/Gravitational_field) to minimize time towards Saturn.[18] The spacecrafts were then moved into a separate program named **Mariner Jupiter-Saturn** (also **Mariner Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus**,[19] **MJS**, or **MJSU**), part of the [Mariner program](/source/Mariner_program), later renamed because it was thought that the design of the two space probes had progressed sufficiently beyond that of the Mariner family to merit a separate name.[20]

### Voyager probes

Interactive 3D model of the Voyager spacecraft .

On March 4, 1977, [NASA](/source/NASA) announced a competition to rename the mission, believing the existing name was not appropriate as the mission had differed significantly from previous [Mariner](/source/Mariner_program) missions. *Voyager* was chosen as the new name, referencing an earlier suggestion by [William Pickering](/source/Bill_Pickering_(rocket_scientist)), who had proposed the name *Navigator*. Due to the name change occurring close to launch, the probes were still occasionally referred to as Mariner 11 and Mariner 12, or even Voyager 11 and Voyager 12.[17]

Two mission trajectories were established: JST aimed at Jupiter, Saturn, and enhancing a [Titan](/source/Titan_(moon)) flyby, while JSX served as a contingency plan. JST focused on a Titan flyby, while JSX provided a flexible mission plan. If JST succeeded, JSX could proceed with the Grand Tour, but in case of failure, JSX could be redirected for a separate Titan flyby, forfeiting the Grand Tour opportunity.[18] The second probe, now [Voyager 2](/source/Voyager_2), followed the JSX trajectory, granting it the option to continue on to Uranus and Neptune. Upon [Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1) completing its main objectives at Saturn, Voyager 2 received a mission extension, enabling it to proceed to Uranus and Neptune. This allowed Voyager 2 to diverge from the originally planned JST trajectory.[17]

The probes would be launched in August or September 1977, with their main objective being to compare the characteristics of Jupiter and Saturn, such as their [atmospheres](/source/Atmospheres), [magnetic fields](/source/Magnetic_field), particle environments, [ring systems](/source/Ring_system), and [moons](/source/Moons). They would fly by planets and moons in either a JST or JSX trajectory. After completing their flybys, the probes would communicate with Earth, relaying vital data using their [magnetometers](/source/Magnetometer), [spectrometers](/source/Spectrometer), and other instruments to detect [interstellar](/source/Interstellar_medium), [solar](/source/Solar_radiation), and [cosmic radiation](/source/Cosmic_radiation). Their radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) would limit the maximum communication time with the probes to roughly a [decade](/source/Decade). Following their primary missions, the probes would continue to drift into interstellar space.[18]

*[Voyager 2](/source/Voyager_2)* was the first to be launched. Its trajectory was designed to allow flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. *Voyager 1* was launched after *Voyager 2*, but along a shorter and faster trajectory that was designed to provide an optimal flyby of Saturn's moon [Titan](/source/Titan_(moon)),[21] which was known to be quite large and to possess a dense atmosphere. This encounter sent *Voyager 1* out of the plane of the ecliptic, ending its planetary science mission.[22] Had *Voyager 1* been unable to perform the Titan flyby, the trajectory of *Voyager 2* could have been altered to explore Titan, forgoing any visit to Uranus and Neptune.[23] *Voyager 1* was not launched on a trajectory that would have allowed it to continue to Uranus and Neptune, but could have continued from Saturn to Pluto without exploring Titan.[24]

During the 1990s, *Voyager 1* overtook the slower deep-space probes [Pioneer 10](/source/Pioneer_10) and [Pioneer 11](/source/Pioneer_11) to become the most distant human-made object from Earth, a record that it will keep for the foreseeable future. The *[New Horizons](/source/New_Horizons)* probe, which had a higher launch velocity than *Voyager 1*, is travelling more slowly due to the extra speed *Voyager 1* gained from its flyby of Saturn. *Voyager 1* and Pioneer 10 are the most widely separated human-made objects anywhere since they are travelling in roughly opposite directions from the [Solar System](/source/Solar_System).

In December 2004, *Voyager 1* crossed the [termination shock](/source/Termination_shock), where the solar wind is slowed to subsonic speed, and entered the [heliosheath](/source/Heliosheath), where the solar wind is compressed and made turbulent due to interactions with the [interstellar medium](/source/Interstellar_medium). On 10 December 2007, *Voyager 2* also reached the termination shock, about 1.6 billion kilometres (1 billion miles) closer to the Sun than from where *Voyager 1* first crossed it, indicating that the Solar System is [asymmetrical](/source/Asymmetry).[25]

In 2010 *Voyager 1* reported that the outward velocity of the solar wind had dropped to zero, and scientists predicted it was nearing [interstellar space](/source/Interstellar_space).[26] In 2011, data from the Voyagers determined that the heliosheath was not smooth, but filled with giant [magnetic](/source/Magnetic) bubbles. It was theorized that they formed when the [magnetic field](/source/Magnetic_field) of the Sun became warped at the edge of the Solar System.[27]

In June 2012, scientists at NASA reported that *[Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1)* was very close to entering interstellar space, which was indicated by a sharp rise in [high-energy particles](/source/Cosmic_ray) from outside the Solar System.[28][29] In September 2013, NASA announced that *Voyager 1* had crossed the [heliopause](/source/Heliopause_(astronomy)) on 25 August 2012, making it the first spacecraft to enter interstellar space.[30][31][32]

In December 2018, NASA announced that *Voyager 2* had crossed the heliopause on 5 November 2018, making it the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space.[3]

As of 2017[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Voyager_program&action=edit) *Voyager 1* and *Voyager 2* continued to monitor conditions in the outer expanses of the Solar System.[33] The Voyager spacecraft were expected to be able to operate science instruments through 2020, when limited power would require instruments to be deactivated one by one. It was expected that circa 2025 there would no longer be sufficient power to operate any scientific instruments.

In July 2019, a revised power management plan was implemented for the two probes' dwindling power supplies.[34]

## Spacecraft design

Voyager spacecraft diagram

The Voyager spacecraft each weighed 815 kilograms (1,797 pounds) at launch, but after fuel usage are now about 733 kilograms (1,616 pounds).[35] Of this weight, each spacecraft carries 105 kilograms (231 pounds) of scientific instruments.[36] The identical Voyager spacecraft use three-axis-stabilized [guidance systems](/source/Guidance_system) that use [gyroscopic](/source/Gyroscopic) and [accelerometer](/source/Accelerometer) inputs to their [attitude control](/source/Spacecraft_attitude_control) computers to point their [high-gain antennas](/source/High-gain_antenna) towards [the Earth](/source/The_Earth) and their scientific instruments towards their targets, sometimes with the help of a movable instrument platform for the smaller instruments and the [electronic photography](/source/Video_camera_tube) system.

The diagram shows the high-gain antenna (HGA) with a 3.7 m (12 ft) diameter dish attached to the hollow [decagonal](/source/Decagon) [electronics](/source/Electronics) container. There is also a spherical tank that contains the [hydrazine](/source/Hydrazine) [monopropellant](/source/Monopropellant) fuel.

The [Voyager Golden Record](/source/Voyager_Golden_Record) is attached to one of the bus sides. The angled square panel to the right is the optical calibration target and excess heat radiator. The three [radioisotope thermoelectric generators](/source/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generators) (RTGs) are mounted end-to-end on the lower boom.

The scan platform comprises: the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) (largest camera at top right); the Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS) just above the IRIS; the two Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) [vidicon cameras](/source/Vidicon#Vidicon) to the left of the UVS; and the Photopolarimeter System (PPS) under the ISS.

Only five investigation teams are still supported, though data is collected for two additional instruments.[37] The Flight Data Subsystem (FDS) and a single eight-track [digital tape recorder](/source/Magnetic_tape) (DTR) provide the data handling functions.

The FDS configures each instrument and controls instrument operations. It also collects engineering and science data and formats the data for [transmission](/source/Data_transmission). The DTR is used to record high-rate [Plasma](/source/Plasma_(physics)) Wave Subsystem (PWS) data, which is played back every six months.

The Imaging Science Subsystem made up of a wide-angle and a narrow-angle camera is a modified version of the slow scan vidicon camera designs that were used in the earlier Mariner flights. The Imaging Science Subsystem consists of two television-type cameras, each with eight filters in a commandable filter wheel mounted in front of the vidicons. One has a low resolution 200 mm (7.9 in) [focal length](/source/Focal_length) wide-angle lens with an [aperture](/source/Aperture) of f/3 (the wide-angle camera), while the other uses a higher resolution 1,500 mm (59 in) narrow-angle f/8.5 lens (the narrow-angle camera).

Three spacecraft were built, *Voyager 1* (VGR 77-1), *Voyager 2* (VGR 77-3), and test spare model (VGR 77-2).[38][13]

### Scientific instruments

List of scientific instruments Instrument name Abbreviation Description Imaging Science System ISS Used a two-camera system (narrow-angle/wide-angle) to provide imagery of Jupiter, Saturn and other objects along the trajectory. Filters Narrow-angle camera[39] Name Wavelength Spectrum Sensitivity 0 – Clear 280–640 nm 4 – Clear 280–640 nm 7 – UV 280–370 nm 1 – Violet 350–450 nm 2 – Blue 430–530 nm 5 – Green 530–640 nm 6 – Green 530–640 nm 3 – Orange 590–640 nm Wide-angle camera[40] Name Wavelength Spectrum Sensitivity 2 – Clear 280–640 nm 3 – Violet 350–450 nm 1 – Blue 430–530 nm 6 – CH4-U 536–546 nm 5 – Green 530–640 nm 4 – Na-D 588–590 nm 7 – Orange 590–640 nm 0 – CH4-JST 614–624 nm Principal investigator: Bradford A. Smith / University of Arizona Data: PDS/PDI data catalog, PDS/PRN data catalog Radio Science System RSS Used the telecommunications system of the Voyager spacecraft to determine the physical properties of planets and satellites (ionospheres, atmospheres, masses, gravity fields, densities) and the amount and size distribution of material in the Saturn rings and the ring dimensions. Principal investigator: Von R. Eshleman Data: PDS/PPI data catalog, PDS/PRN data catalog (VG_2803), NSSDC data archive Infrared interferometer spectrometer and radiometer IRIS Investigated both global and local energy balance and atmospheric composition. Vertical temperature profiles were also obtained from the planets and satellites, as well as the composition, thermal properties, and size of particles in Saturn's rings. Principal investigator: Rudolf Hanel / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Data: PDS/PRN data catalog, PDS/PRN expanded data catalog (VGIRIS_0001, VGIRIS_002), NSSDC Jupiter data archive Ultraviolet Spectrometer UVS Designed to measure atmospheric properties, and to measure radiation. Principal investigator: A. Lyle Broadfoot / University of Southern California Data: PDS/PRN data catalog Triaxial Fluxgate Magnetometer MAG Designed to investigate the magnetic fields of Jupiter and Saturn, the solar-wind interaction with the magnetospheres of these planets, and the interplanetary magnetic field out to the solar wind boundary with the interstellar magnetic field and beyond, if crossed. Principal investigator: Norman F. Ness / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Data: PDS/PPI data catalog, NSSDC data archive Plasma Spectrometer PLS Investigated the macroscopic properties of the plasma ions and measures electrons in the energy range from 5 eV to 1 keV. Principal investigator: Herbert S. Bridge / MIT Data: PDS/PPI data catalog, NSSDC data archive Low Energy Charged Particle Instrument LECP Measures the differential in energy fluxes and angular distributions of ions, electrons and the differential in energy ion composition. Principal investigator: Stamatios Krimigis / JHU/APL / University of Maryland Data: UMD data plotting, PDS/PPI data catalog, NSSDC data archive Cosmic Ray System CRS Determines the origin and acceleration process, life history, and dynamic contribution of interstellar cosmic rays, the nucleosynthesis of elements in cosmic-ray sources, the behavior of cosmic rays in the interplanetary medium, and the trapped planetary energetic-particle environment. Principal investigator: Rochus Eugen Vogt, Edward C. Stone, Alan C. Cummings / Caltech / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Data: PDS/PPI data catalog, NSSDC data archive Planetary Radio Astronomy Investigation PRA Used a sweep-frequency radio receiver to study the radio-emission signals from Jupiter and Saturn. Principal investigator: James W. Warwick / University of Colorado Data: PDS/PPI data catalog, NSSDC data archive Photopolarimeter System PPS Used a 6-inch f/1.4 Dahl-Kirkham-type Cassegrain telescope with an analyzer wheel containing five analyzers of 0,60,120,45 and 135 degrees and filter wheel with eight spectral bands covering 2350 to 7500A to gather information on surface texture and composition of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and information on atmospheric scattering properties and density for these planets. Principal investigator: Charles F. Lillie, Charles W. Hord Data: PDS/PRN data catalog and PDS Atmospheric Node Plasma Wave Subsystem PWS Provides continuous, sheath-independent measurements of the electron-density profiles at Jupiter and Saturn as well as basic information on local wave-particle interaction, useful in studying the magnetospheres. Principal investigator: Frederick L. Scarf / TRW, Donald Gurnett / University of Iowa Data: PDS/PPI data catalog

		- A view of some of Voyager's instruments from below. Left: the cameras, ultraviolet and infrared spectrometers (far left), plasma detector (black box lower right), particle and radiation detectors (far right). On the boom, center and right, are plasma, particle, and cosmic ray detectors.

		- Voyager's fully extended 13-meter-long magnetometer boom

### Computers and data processing

There are three different computer types on the Voyager spacecraft, two of each kind, sometimes used for redundancy. They are proprietary, custom-built computers built from [CMOS](/source/CMOS) and [TTL](/source/Transistor%E2%80%93transistor_logic) medium-scale CMOS integrated circuits and discrete components, mostly from the [7400 series](/source/7400-series_integrated_circuits) of [Texas Instruments](/source/Texas_Instruments).[41] The total number of [words](/source/Word_(computer_architecture)) among the six computers is about 32K. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have identical computer systems.[35][42]

The Computer Command System (CCS), the central controller of the spacecraft, has two 18-bit word, interrupt-type processors with 4096 words each of non-volatile [plated-wire memory](/source/Plated-wire_memory). During most of the Voyager mission the two CCS computers on each spacecraft were used non-redundantly to increase the command and processing capability of the spacecraft. The CCS is nearly identical to the system flown on the Viking spacecraft.[43]

The Flight Data System (FDS) is two 16-bit word machines with modular memories and 8198 words each.

The Attitude and Articulation Control System (AACS) is two 18-bit word machines with 4096 words each.

Unlike the other on-board instruments, the operation of the cameras for [visible light](/source/Visible_light) is not autonomous, but rather it is controlled by an imaging parameter table contained in one of the on-board [digital computers](/source/Digital_computer), the Flight Data Subsystem (FDS). More recent space probes, since about 1990, usually have completely [autonomous](/source/Automaton) cameras.

The computer command subsystem (CCS) controls the cameras. The CCS contains fixed [computer programs](/source/Computer_program) such as command decoding, fault detection, and correction routines, antenna-pointing routines, and spacecraft sequencing routines. This computer is an improved version of the one that was used in the [*Viking* orbiter](/source/Viking_program).[43] The hardware in both custom-built CCS subsystems in the Voyagers is identical. There is only a minor software modification for one of them that has a scientific subsystem that the other lacks.

According to Guinness Book of Records, CCS holds record of "longest period of continual operation for a computer". It has been running continuously since 20 August 1977.[44]

The Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS) controls the spacecraft orientation (its attitude). It keeps the high-gain antenna pointing towards the Earth, controls attitude changes, and points the scan platform. The custom-built AACS systems on both craft are identical.

It has been erroneously reported[45] on the [Internet](/source/Internet) that the Voyager space probes were controlled by a version of the [RCA 1802](/source/RCA_1802) (RCA CDP1802 "COSMAC" [microprocessor](/source/Microprocessor)), but such claims are not supported by the primary design documents. The CDP1802 microprocessor was used later in the [*Galileo* space probe](/source/Galileo_(spacecraft)), which was designed and built years later. The digital control electronics of the Voyagers were not based on a microprocessor integrated-circuit chip.

### Communications

The [uplink](/source/Uplink) communications are executed via [S-band](/source/S-band) [microwave communications](/source/Microwave_communications). The [downlink](/source/Downlink) communications are carried out by an [X-band](/source/X-band) [microwave](/source/Microwave) transmitter on board the spacecraft, with an S-band transmitter as a back-up. All long-range communications to and from the two Voyagers have been carried out using their 3.7-meter (12 ft) high-gain antennas. The high-gain antenna has a beamwidth of 0.5° for X-band, and 2.3° for S-band.[46]: 17 (The low-gain antenna has a 7 dB gain and 60° beamwidth.)[46]: 17

Because of the [inverse-square law](/source/Inverse-square_law) in [radio communications](/source/Radio_communications), the digital data rates used in the downlinks from the Voyagers have been continually decreasing the farther that they get from the Earth. For example, the data rate used from Jupiter was about 115,000 bits per second. That was halved at the distance of Saturn, and it has gone down continually since then.[46] Some measures were taken on the ground along the way to reduce the effects of the inverse-square law. In between 1982 and 1985, the diameters of the three main [parabolic dish antennas](/source/Parabolic_dish_antenna) of the [Deep Space Network](/source/Deep_Space_Network) were increased from 64 to 70 m (210 to 230 ft)[46]: 34 dramatically increasing their areas for gathering weak microwave signals.

Whilst the craft were between Saturn and Uranus the onboard software was upgraded to do a degree of image compression and to use a more efficient [Reed-Solomon error-correcting encoding](/source/Reed%E2%80%93Solomon_error_correction#Space_transmission).[46]: 33

Then between 1986 and 1989, new techniques were brought into play to combine the signals from multiple antennas on the ground into one, more powerful signal, in a kind of an [antenna array](/source/Antenna_array_(electromagnetic)).[46]: 34 This was done at [Goldstone, California](/source/Goldstone%2C_California), [Canberra (Australia)](/source/Canberra_Deep_Space_Communication_Complex), and [Madrid (Spain)](/source/Madrid_Deep_Space_Communication_Complex) using the additional dish antennas available there. Also, in Australia, the [Parkes Radio Telescope](/source/Parkes_Radio_Telescope) was brought into the array in time for the fly-by of Neptune in 1989. In the United States, the [Very Large Array](/source/Very_Large_Array) in [New Mexico](/source/New_Mexico) was brought into temporary use along with the antennas of the Deep Space Network at Goldstone.[46]: 34 Using this new technology of antenna arrays helped to compensate for the immense radio distance from Neptune to the Earth.

### Power

[RTGs](/source/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generator) for the Voyager program

[Electrical power](/source/Electric_power) is supplied by three [MHW-RTG](/source/MHW-RTG) [radioisotope thermoelectric generators](/source/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generator) (RTGs). They are powered by [plutonium-238](/source/Plutonium-238) (distinct from the [Pu-239](/source/Plutonium-239) isotope used in nuclear weapons) and provided approximately 470 [W](/source/Watt) at 30 [volts](/source/Volt) [DC](/source/Direct_current) when the spacecraft was launched. Plutonium-238 decays with a [half-life](/source/Half-life) of 87.74 years,[47] so RTGs using Pu-238 will lose a factor of 1−0.5(1/87.74) = 0.79% of their power output per year.

In 2011, 34 years after launch, the thermal power generated by such an RTG would be reduced to (1/2)(34/87.74) ≈ 76% of its initial power. The RTG [thermocouples](/source/Thermocouple), which convert thermal power into electricity, also degrade over time reducing available electric power below this calculated level.

By 7 October 2011 the power generated by *Voyager 1* and *Voyager 2* had dropped to 267.9 W and 269.2 W respectively, about 57% of the power at launch. The level of power output was better than pre-launch predictions based on a conservative thermocouple degradation model. As the electrical power decreases, spacecraft loads must be turned off, eliminating some capabilities. There may be insufficient power for communications by 2032.[48]

## Voyager Interstellar Mission

*[Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1)* crossed the heliopause, or the edge of the [heliosphere](/source/Heliosphere), in August 2012.
*[Voyager 2](/source/Voyager_2)* crossed the [heliosheath](/source/Heliosheath) in November 2018.[3][49]

The Voyager primary mission was completed in 1989, with the close flyby of Neptune by *Voyager 2*. The Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) is a mission extension, which began when the two spacecraft had already been in flight for over 12 years.[50] The Heliophysics Division of the NASA Science Mission Directorate conducted a Heliophysics Senior Review in 2008. The panel found that the VIM "is a mission that is absolutely imperative to continue" and that VIM "funding near the optimal level and increased DSN ([Deep Space Network](/source/NASA_Deep_Space_Network)) support is warranted."[51]

The main objective of the VIM was to extend the exploration of the Solar System beyond the outer planets to the [heliopause](/source/Heliosphere) (the farthest extent at which the Sun's radiation predominates over interstellar winds) and if possible even beyond. Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause boundary in 2012, followed by Voyager 2 in 2018. Passing through the heliopause boundary has allowed both spacecraft to make measurements of the interstellar fields, particles and waves unaffected by the [solar wind](/source/Solar_wind). Two significant findings so far have been the discovery of a region of magnetic bubbles[52] and no indication of an expected shift in the Solar magnetic field.[53]

The entire *Voyager 2* scan platform, including all of the platform instruments, was switched off in 1998. All platform instruments on *Voyager 1*, except for the ultraviolet spectrometer (UVS)[54] have also been switched off.

The *Voyager 1* scan platform was scheduled to go off-line in late 2000 but has been left on to investigate UV emission from the upwind direction. UVS data are still captured but scans are no longer possible.[55]

Gyro operations ended in 2016 for *Voyager 2* and in 2017 for *Voyager 1*. Gyro operations are used to rotate the probe 360 degrees six times per year to measure the magnetic field of the spacecraft, which is then subtracted from the magnetometer science data.

On 14 November 2023, Voyager 1 stopped sending all telemetry and data, though the signal was still present. After months of experiments, made considerably more difficult by the 45 hour round trip time, the cause was traced to a bad memory chip. New software was written to avoid the bad memory block, and engineering data resumed on 20 April 2024.[56] Science data from two instruments resumed in May 2024,[57] and full recovery (of all science instruments that were still powered up) was in June 2024.[58] For more details of this intricate operation, see [Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1).

The two spacecraft continue to operate, with some loss in subsystem redundancy but retain the capability to return scientific data from a full complement of Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) science instruments.

Both spacecraft also have adequate electrical power and attitude control propellant to continue operating and collecting science data through at least 2026.[59] Though additional science instruments may need to be turned off, the spacecraft are expected to be able to communicate until 2036, in the absence of additional failures.[60]

### Mission details

This diagram about the heliosphere was released on 28 June 2013 and incorporates results from the Voyager spacecraft.[61]

By the start of VIM, *Voyager 1* was at a distance of 40 [AU](/source/Astronomical_unit) from the Earth, while *Voyager 2* was at 31 AU. VIM is in three phases: termination shock, heliosheath exploration, and interstellar exploration phase. The spacecraft began VIM in an environment controlled by the Sun's magnetic field, with the plasma particles being dominated by those contained in the expanding supersonic solar wind. This is the characteristic environment of the termination shock phase. At some distance from the Sun, the supersonic solar wind will be held back from further expansion by the interstellar wind. The first feature encountered by a spacecraft as a result of this interaction – between interstellar wind and solar wind – was the termination shock, where the solar wind slows to subsonic speed, and large changes in plasma flow direction and magnetic field orientation occur. *Voyager 1* completed the phase of termination shock in December 2004 at a distance of 94 AU, while *Voyager 2* completed it in August 2007 at a distance of 84 AU. After entering into the heliosheath, the spacecraft were in an area that is dominated by the Sun's magnetic field and solar wind particles. After passing through the heliosheath, the two Voyagers began the phase of interstellar exploration. The outer boundary of the heliosheath is called the heliopause. This is the region where the Sun's influence begins to decrease and interstellar space can be detected.[62]

*Voyager 1* is escaping the Solar System at the speed of 3.6 AU per year 35° north of the [ecliptic](/source/Ecliptic) in the general direction of the [solar apex](/source/Solar_apex) in [Hercules](/source/Hercules_(constellation)), while *Voyager 2*'s speed is about 3.3 AU per year, heading 48° south of the ecliptic. The Voyager spacecraft will eventually go on to the stars. In about [40,000 years](/source/Timeline_of_the_far_future#Humanity_and_human_constructs), *Voyager 1* will be within 1.6 [light years](/source/Light-year) (ly) of AC+79 3888, also known as [Gliese 445](/source/Gliese_445), which is approaching the Sun. In 40,000 years *Voyager 2* will be within 1.7 ly of [Ross 248](/source/Ross_248) (another star which is approaching the Sun), and in [296,000 years](/source/Timeline_of_the_far_future#Humanity_and_human_constructs) it will pass within 4.6 ly of [Sirius](/source/Sirius), which is the brightest star in the night-sky.[2] The spacecraft are not expected to collide with a star for 1 sextillion (1020) years.[63]

In October 2020, astronomers reported a significant unexpected increase in density in the [space](/source/Outer_space) beyond the [Solar System](/source/Solar_System), as detected by the Voyager [space probes](/source/Space_probe). According to the researchers, this implies that "the density gradient is a large-scale feature of the [VLISM](/source/Interstellar_medium#Structures) (very local [interstellar medium](/source/Interstellar_medium)) in the general direction of the [heliospheric nose](/source/Heliosphere#Edge_structure)".[64][65]

## Voyager Golden Record

Main article: [Voyager Golden Record](/source/Voyager_Golden_Record)

The cover of the [Voyager Golden Record](/source/Voyager_Golden_Record)

Both spacecraft carry a 12-inch (30 cm) golden phonograph record that contains pictures and sounds of Earth, symbolic directions on the cover for playing the record, and data detailing the location of Earth.[33][29] The record is intended as a combination [time capsule](/source/Time_capsule) and an interstellar message to any civilization, alien or far-future human, that may recover either of the Voyagers. The contents of this record were selected by a committee that included [Timothy Ferris](/source/Timothy_Ferris) and was chaired by [Carl Sagan](/source/Carl_Sagan).[29]

## *Pale Blue Dot*

Main article: [Pale Blue Dot](/source/Pale_Blue_Dot)

Seen from 6 billion kilometers (3.7 billion miles), Earth appears as a *[Pale Blue Dot](/source/Pale_Blue_Dot)* (the blueish-white speck approximately halfway down the light band to the right).

*Pale Blue Dot* is a photograph of [Earth](/source/Earth) taken on February 14, 1990, by the *[Voyager 1](/source/Voyager_1)* [space probe](/source/Space_probe) from a distance of approximately 6 billion kilometers (3.7 billion miles, 40.5 [AU](/source/Astronomical_unit)), as part of that day's [*Family Portrait*](/source/Family_Portrait_(Voyager)) series of images of the [Solar System](/source/Solar_System).[66] The Voyager program's discoveries during the primary phase of its mission, including new close-up color photos of the major planets, were regularly documented by print and electronic media outlets. Among the best-known of these is an image of the Earth as a *[Pale Blue Dot](/source/Pale_Blue_Dot)*, taken in 1990 by *Voyager 1*, and popularized by Carl Sagan,[67]

Consider again that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us....The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena.... To my mind, there is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.

## See also

- *[Family Portrait](/source/Family_Portrait_(Voyager))*

- *[The Farthest](/source/The_Farthest)*, a 2017 documentary on the program.

- *[Interstellar Express](/source/Interstellar_Express)*, a pair of [Chinese](/source/China_National_Space_Administration) probes inspired in part by the Voyagers.

- [Interstellar probe](/source/Interstellar_probe)

- [Pioneer program](/source/Pioneer_program)

- [Planetary Grand Tour](/source/Planetary_Grand_Tour)

- [Timeline of Solar System exploration](/source/Timeline_of_Solar_System_exploration)

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Tomayko_43-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Tomayko_43-1) Tomayko, James E. (3 August 1987). ["Distributed Computing On Board Voyager and Galileo (chapter 6)"](https://history.nasa.gov/computers/Ch6-2.html). In Kent, Allen; Williams, James G. (eds.). [*Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience*](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19880069935). Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology. Vol. 18. Supplement 3. NASA. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8247-2268-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8247-2268-5). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231018062947/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19880069935) from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2022 – via NASA History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** ["Longest period of continual operation for a computer"](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/635980-longest-period-of-continual-operation-for-a-computer). *Guinness World Records*. 20 August 1977. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230428123751/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/635980-longest-period-of-continual-operation-for-a-computer) from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** Johnson, Herb (November 2014). ["COSMAC 1802 History in Space"](http://www.retrotechnology.com/memship/1802_spacecraft.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150715200158/http://www.retrotechnology.com/memship/1802_spacecraft.html) from the original on 15 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Ludwig2002_46-6) Ludwig, Roger; Taylor, Jim (March 2002). ["Voyager Telecommunications"](https://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/Descanso4--Voyager_new.pdf) (PDF). NASA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210318092548/http://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/Descanso4--Voyager_new.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** ["The Actinide Research Quarterly: Summer 1997"](https://lanl.gov/source/orgs/nmt/nmtdo/AQarchive/97summer/Pu_238.html). *lanl.gov*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220308131514/https://lanl.gov/source/orgs/nmt/nmtdo/AQarchive/97summer/Pu_238.html) from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** Segal, Michael (1 September 2017). ["Beyond Voyager"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170902052932/http://nautil.us/issue/51/limits/beyond-voyager). *[Nautilus](/source/Nautilus_(science_magazine))*. Archived from [the original](http://nautil.us/issue/51/limits/beyond-voyager) on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASA-20181005_49-0)** Cofield, Calia; Cook, Jia-Rui; Fox, Karen (5 October 2018). ["NASA Voyager 2 Could Be Nearing Interstellar Space"](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7252). *[NASA](/source/NASA)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181005173131/https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7252) from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** ["Interstellar Mission"](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/interstellar.html). NASA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20091015172229/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/interstellar.html) from the original on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["Senior Review 2008 of the Mission Operations and Data Analysis Program for the Heliophysics Operating Missions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080626213548/http://www.igpp.ucla.edu/public/THEMIS/SCI/Pubs/Proposals%20and%20Reports/Senior%20Review%202008%20Report%20Final.pdf) (PDF). NASA. p. 7. Archived from [the original](http://www.igpp.ucla.edu/public/THEMIS/SCI/Pubs/Proposals%20and%20Reports/Senior%20Review%202008%20Report%20Final.pdf) (PDF) on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** ["GMS: Voyager Satellites Find Magnetic Bubbles at Edge of Solar System"](https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10790). 9 June 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221205112656/https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10790) from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** Grant, Andrew (2019). ["The confounding magnetic readings of Voyager 1"](https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/pt.6.3.20190215a/full/). *Physics Today* (2) 30645. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2019PhT..2019b0645G](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019PhT..2019b0645G). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1063/pt.6.3.20190215a](https://doi.org/10.1063%2Fpt.6.3.20190215a). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [242207067](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:242207067). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220815164724/https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.6.3.20190215a/full/) from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** ["Ultraviolet Spectrometer"](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/instruments_uvs.html). *Voyager: The Interstellar Mission*. NASA JPL. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060305105235/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/instruments_uvs.html) from the original on 5 March 2006. Retrieved 11 June 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** E. C. Stone; J. D. Richardson; E. B. Massey. ["The Voyager Interstellar Mission Proposal to Senior Review 2010 of the Mission Operations and Data Analysis Program for the Heliophysics Operating Missions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161223041419/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/Proposal-2010/VGRSR.pdf) (PDF). NASA. p. 24. Archived from [the original](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/Proposal-2010/VGRSR.pdf) (PDF) on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** ["NASA's Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Engineering Updates to Earth"](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-voyager-1-resumes-sending-engineering-updates-to-earth/). *[Jet Propulsion Laboratory](/source/Jet_Propulsion_Laboratory)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** ["Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Science Data from Two Instruments"](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/voyager/2024/05/22/voyager-1-resumes-sending-science-data-from-two-instruments/). 22 May 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** ["Voyager 1 Returning Science Data From All Four Instruments"](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/voyager-1-returning-science-data-from-all-four-instruments/). *[Jet Propulsion Laboratory](/source/Jet_Propulsion_Laboratory)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** ["NASA's Voyager Will Do More Science With New Power Strategy"](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-voyager-will-do-more-science-with-new-power-strategy/). *[Jet Propulsion Laboratory](/source/Jet_Propulsion_Laboratory)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** ["Frequently Asked Questions"](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/frequently-asked-questions/). 12 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** ["NASA – Transitional Regions at the Heliosphere's Outer Limits"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130708092850/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/news/transitional_regions.html). Archived from [the original](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/news/transitional_regions.html) on 8 July 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** JPL.NASA.GOV. ["Voyager – The Interstellar Mission"](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/interstellar.html). *voyager.jpl.nasa.gov*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20091015172229/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/interstellar.html) from the original on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-lavender_63-0)** Coryn A.L. Bailer-Jones, Davide Farnocchia (3 April 2019). ["Future stellar flybys of the Voyager and Pioneer spacecraft"](https://doi.org/10.3847%2F2515-5172%2Fab158e). *Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society*. **3** (4): 59. [arXiv](/source/ArXiv_(identifier)):[1912.03503](https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.03503). [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2019RNAAS...3...59B](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019RNAAS...3...59B). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3847/2515-5172/ab158e](https://doi.org/10.3847%2F2515-5172%2Fab158e). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [134524048](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:134524048).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-SA-20201019_64-0)** Starr, Michelle (19 October 2020). ["Voyager Spacecraft Detect an Increase in The Density of Space Outside The Solar System"](https://www.sciencealert.com/for-some-reason-the-density-of-space-is-higher-just-outside-the-solar-system). *[ScienceAlert](/source/ScienceAlert)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201019133221/https://www.sciencealert.com/for-some-reason-the-density-of-space-is-higher-just-outside-the-solar-system) from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AJL-20200825_65-0)** Kurth, W.S.; Gurnett, D.A. (25 August 2020). ["Observations of a Radial Density Gradient in the Very Local Interstellar Medium by Voyager 2"](https://doi.org/10.3847%2F2041-8213%2Fabae58). *[The Astrophysical Journal Letters](/source/The_Astrophysical_Journal_Letters)*. **900** (1): L1. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2020ApJ...900L...1K](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020ApJ...900L...1K). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3847/2041-8213/abae58](https://doi.org/10.3847%2F2041-8213%2Fabae58). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [225312823](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:225312823).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASA-20200212_66-0)** Staff (12 February 2020). ["Pale Blue Dot Revisited"](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23645). *[NASA](/source/NASA)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200212230826/https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23645) from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-67)** [Sagan, Carl](/source/Carl_Sagan) (1997). [*Pale Blue Dot*](https://archive.org/details/palebluedot00carl). United States: [Random House](/source/Random_House) USA Inc. p. [6](https://archive.org/details/palebluedot00carl/page/6)-[7](https://archive.org/details/palebluedot00carl/page/7). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-345-37659-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-345-37659-6).

## Further reading

- Swift, David W. (1997). *Voyager Tales*. Reston, Va: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-56347-252-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56347-252-7).

- Gallentine, Jay (2009). *Ambassadors from Earth: Pioneering Explorations with Unmanned Spacecraft*. Lincoln: U of Nebraska Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8032-2220-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8032-2220-5).

- Pyne, Stephen J. (2010). *Voyager: Exploration, Space, and the Third Great Age of Discovery*. Penguin Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-14-311959-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-14-311959-3).

- [Bell, Jim](/source/James_F._Bell_III) (2015). *The Interstellar Age: Inside the Forty-Year Voyager Mission*. Penguin Publishing Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-698-18615-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-698-18615-6).

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Voyager program](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Voyager_program).

**NASA sites**

- [NASA Voyager website](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov)

- [Voyager Mission status (updated in real time)](https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/status/)

- [Voyager Spacecraft Lifetime](https://web.archive.org/web/20170301102317/http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/spacecraftlife.html)

- [NASA Facts – Voyager Mission to the Outer Planets](https://web.archive.org/web/20090328090432/http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/fact_sheets/voyager.pdf)

- [Voyager 1 and 2 atlas of six Saturnian satellites, 1984](https://web.archive.org/web/20070703065122/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19840027171_1984027171.pdf)

- [JPL Voyager Telecom Manual](https://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/Descanso4--Voyager_new.pdf)

**NASA instrument information pages:**

- ["Voyager instrument overview"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110721050912/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewHostProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewHostProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 21 July 2011.

- ["CRS – COSMIC RAY SUBSYSTEM"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140803100339/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=CRS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=CRS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1) on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2017.

- ["ISS NA – IMAGING SCIENCE SUBSYSTEM – NARROW ANGLE"](https://pds.nasa.gov/ds-view/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=ISSN&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). NASA. Retrieved 2 April 2023.

- ["ISS WA – IMAGING SCIENCE SUBSYSTEM – WIDE ANGLE"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718164117/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=ISSW&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=ISSW&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["IRIS – INFRARED INTERFEROMETER SPECTROMETER AND RADIOMETER"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718171718/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=IRIS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=IRIS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["LECP – LOW ENERGY CHARGED PARTICLE"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718171216/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=LECP&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=LECP&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["MAG – TRIAXIAL FLUXGATE MAGNETOMETER"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718165706/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=MAG&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=MAG&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["PLS – PLASMA SCIENCE EXPERIMENT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718171426/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PLS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PLS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["PPS – PHOTOPOLARIMETER SUBSYSTEM"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090825210557/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PPS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PPS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 25 August 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["PRA – PLANETARY RADIO ASTRONOMY RECEIVER"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718171504/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PRA&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PRA&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["PWS – PLASMA WAVE RECEIVER"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090718171350/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PWS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=PWS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG2) on 18 July 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.

- ["RSS – RADIO SCIENCE SUBSYSTEM"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140803084200/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=RSS-VG1S&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=RSS-VG1S&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1) on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2017.

- ["UVS – ULTRAVIOLET SPECTROMETER"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140803093912/http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=UVS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1). Archived from [the original](https://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=UVS&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=VG1) on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2017.

**Non-NASA sites**

- [Spacecraft Escaping the Solar System](https://www.heavens-above.com/SolarEscape.aspx) – current positions and diagrams

- [NPR: Science Friday 8/24/07 Interviews for 30th anniversary of Voyager spacecraft](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185312/http://www.sciencefriday.com/pages/2007/Aug/hour1_082407.html)

- [Illustrated technical paper](https://web.archive.org/web/20140331162615/http://www.stickings90.webspace.virginmedia.com/voyager.htm) by [RL Heacock](/source/Raymond_Heacock), the project engineer

- Gray, Meghan. ["Voyager and Interstellar Space"](http://www.deepskyvideos.com/videos/other/voyager.html). *Deep Space Videos*. [Brady Haran](/source/Brady_Haran).

- [PBS featured documentary *The Farthest-Voyager in Space*](https://web.archive.org/web/20170521202818/http://www.pbs.org/the-farthest/home/)

- [Voyager image album](https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmgill/albums/72157651267194998) by Kevin M. Gill

v t e Voyager program Spacecraft Voyager 1 Voyager 2 Components MHW-RTG (a radioisotope thermoelectric generator) Cosmic Ray Subsystem (CRS) Infrared interferometer spectrometer and radiometer (IRIS) Plasma Wave Subsystem (PWS) Voyager Golden Record (contents) Images Pale Blue Dot Family Portrait Related Grand Tour program Gravity assist Specific orbital energy of Voyager 1 Titan IIIE NASA Deep Space Network Antennas Voyager paradox Observation targets Exploration of Jupiter and its moon Io with volcanos Masubi Pele Prometheus Surt and its rings Exploration of Saturn and its moon Enceladus with craters Dunyazad Shahrazad Exploration of Uranus and its rings Exploration of Neptune and its moon Triton Interstellar mission Heliosphere, Heliopause, Termination shock, Anomalous cosmic rays, Heliosheath, Interstellar space Popular culture Neptune All Night The Farthest (2017 documentary film) Category

v t e NASA Policy and history History (creation) NACA (1915) National Aeronautics and Space Act (1958) Space Task Group (1958) Paine (1986) Rogers (1986) Ride (1987) Space Exploration Initiative (1989) Augustine (1990) U.S. National Space Policy (1996) CFUSAI (2002) CAIB (2003) Vision for Space Exploration (2004) Aldridge (2004) Augustine (2009) General Space Race Administrator and Deputy Administrator Chief Scientist Astronaut Corps Ranks and positions Chief Budget NASA research spinoff technologies NASA+ NASA TV NASA Social Launch Services Program Mercury Control Center Manned Space Flight Network Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building Launch Complex 39 39A 39B Launch Complex 48 Launch Control Center Operations and Checkout Building Johnson Space Center Mission Control Lunar Sample Laboratory Science Mission Directorate Human spaceflight programs Past X-15 (suborbital) Mercury Gemini Apollo Skylab Apollo–Soyuz (with the Soviet space program) Space Shuttle Shuttle–Mir (with Roscosmos) Constellation Current International Space Station Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Commercial Crew Orion Artemis Robotic programs Past Hitchhiker Mariner Mariner Mark II MESUR Mars Surveyor '98 New Millennium Lunar Orbiter Pioneer Planetary Observer Ranger Surveyor Viking Project Prometheus Mars Exploration Mars Exploration Rover Current Living With a Star Lunar Precursor Robotic Program Earth Observing System Great Observatories program Explorers Voyager Discovery New Frontiers Solar Terrestrial Probes Commercial Lunar Payload Services SIMPLEx Individual featured missions (human and robotic) Past Apollo 11 Artemis II COBE Mercury 3 Mercury-Atlas 6 Magellan Pioneer 10 Pioneer 11 Galileo timeline GALEX GRAIL WMAP Space Shuttle Spitzer Space Telescope Sojourner rover Spirit rover LADEE MESSENGER Aquarius Cassini Dawn Kepler space telescope Opportunity rover timeline observed RHESSI MAVEN InSight Ingenuity helicopter flights Currently operating Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 2001 Mars Odyssey New Horizons International Space Station Hubble Space Telescope Chandra X-ray Observatory Swift Observatory THEMIS Curiosity rover timeline Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter SDO Juno Mars Science Laboratory timeline NuSTAR Voyager 1 Voyager 2 MMS OSIRIS-APEX TESS Mars 2020 Perseverance rover timeline James Webb Space Telescope timeline PACE Europa Clipper NISAR Future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope DAVINCI VERITAS Communications and navigation Near Earth Network Space Network Deep Space Network (Goldstone Madrid Canberra Space Flight Operations Facility) Deep Space Atomic Clock NASA lists Astronauts by name by year Gemini astronauts Apollo astronauts Space Shuttle crews NASA aircraft NASA missions uncrewed missions Apollo missions Space Shuttle missions United States rockets NASA cancellations NASA cameras on spacecraft NASA images and artwork Earthrise The Blue Marble Family Portrait Pale Blue Dot Pillars of Creation Mystic Mountain Solar System Family Portrait The Day the Earth Smiled Hello, World Earthset Fallen Astronaut Deep fields Lunar plaques Pioneer plaques Voyager Golden Record Apollo 11 goodwill messages NASA insignia Gemini and Apollo medallions Mission patches Astronomy Picture of the Day Hubble Space Telescope anniversary images Related "We choose to go to the Moon" "One small step" Apollo 8 Genesis reading Apollo 15 postal covers incident Apollo Lunar Module Space Mirror Memorial The Astronaut Monument Lunar sample displays Moon rocks stolen or missing U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Space program on U.S. stamps Apollo 17 Moon mice Moon tree Other primates in space NASA Exoplanet Archive NASA International Space Apps Challenge Astronauts Day National Astronaut Day Nikon NASA F4 Category

v t e NASA planetary exploration programs Active Large strategic science missions Lunar Discovery & Exploration Mars Exploration Planetary Missions Discovery New Frontiers Solar System Exploration Ocean Worlds Exploration Voyager Completed Lunar Orbiter Lunar Precursor Mariner MESUR New Millennium Pioneer Planetary Observer Ranger Surveyor Viking Cancelled Grand Tour Mariner Mark II Project Prometheus Voyager (Mars) List of NASA missions

v t e Flagship Program Planetary Science Division Past Viking 1, 2 Galileo Cassini–Huygens Current Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity Mars 2020/Perseverance + Ingenuity helicopter Voyager 1, 2 Future Europa Clipper (2024) NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return Mission (2028-30 proposed) Uranus Orbiter and Probe (2032 proposed) Enceladus Orbilander (2038 proposed) Astrophysics Division Past Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Current Hubble Space Telescope Chandra X-ray Observatory James Webb Space Telescope Future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (2027) Heliophysics Division Past Van Allen Probes Current Solar Dynamics Observatory Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) Parker Solar Probe Earth Science Division Past ICESat Current Terra Aqua Aura Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) See also: Discovery Program · New Frontiers program · Explorers program · Great Observatories program

v t e Jet Propulsion Laboratory Current missions Euclid Psyche ACRIMSAT ASTER Atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) Deep Space Atomic Clock GRACE-FO InSight Juno Keck observatory Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Mars Odyssey Mars 2020 Perseverance rover Ingenuity helicopter Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Microwave limb sounder (MLS) Multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) SWOT Voyager program Voyager 1 Voyager 2 Past missions Cassini-Huygens Dawn Deep Impact Deep Space 1 Deep Space 2 Explorers GALEX Galileo spacecraft Genesis GRACE Herschel IRAS Jason-1 Kepler Magellan Mariner Mars Climate Orbiter Mars Cube One (MarCO) Mars Observer Mars Pathfinder Mars Polar Lander Mars Global Surveyor Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit rover Opportunity rover Near-Earth Asteroid Scout NSCAT Phoenix Pioneer QuikSCAT Ranger Rosetta Seasat Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) Spaceborne Imaging Radar (SIR) Spitzer Space Telescope Stardust Surveyor SVLBI TOPEX/Poseidon Ulysses Viking Wide Field and Planetary Camera (WFPC) Wide Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) Lunar Flashlight Planned missions Europa Clipper Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope SPHEREx Proposed missions Europa Lander FINESSE Canceled missions Astrobiology Field Laboratory (AFL) Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C) Related organizations NASA Caltech NASA Deep Space Network Goldstone Complex Table Mountain Observatory Solar System Ambassadors JPL Science Division Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Space Flight Operations Facility

[Portals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals):
- [Astronomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Astronomy)
- [Stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Stars)
- [Spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Spaceflight)
- [Outer space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Outer_space)
- [Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Solar_System)
- [Science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Science)

Authority control databases National United States Israel Other Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Voyager program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_program) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_program?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.