Voyager 1 has regained its functionality and is now operating properly

In recent months, the farthest human-made object, Voyager 1, has encountered difficulties. Although it remains in contact with Earth, scientists have been receiving only incomprehensible binary data. The situation appeared exceedingly grave, to the extent that it could have potentially terminated the mission that had been ongoing for a decade. However, due to diligent effort, the team has now successfully comprehended the problem on board and has even discovered a solution.

Voyager 1 is currently transmitting comprehensible scientific and engineering data for the first time since November 14. The Flight Data System (FDS), one of the probe’s onboard computers, is the main issue at hand. This device encapsulates all the data, whether it originates from the onboard system or the science systems, prior to transmitting it to Earth.

In March, the team transmitted a signal to the spacecraft and received a peculiar response. However, at that particular moment, the FDS memory stored a comprehensive collection of information, including its entire code as well as scientific and engineering data. Based on that, they comprehended the issue and discovered a resolution: There exists a solitary defective chip that stores a segment of the FDS memory along with some of its code.

It is not feasible to directly fix a chip on a spacecraft located 24 billion kilometers (15 billion miles) away from Earth. The team was required to relocate the impacted code to a different location and modify it in order to ensure that the system would operate properly and avoid utilizing the compromised section.

Due to its considerable distance, the process of sending and receiving any information to the probe is time-consuming. Voyager 1 is located at a distance of 22.5 light-hours. The initial solution was dispatched on April 18, and a response was received on April 20, indicating its success. They had a distinct and easily understandable display of information.

This is highly positive news following months of arduous labor and unpredictability. The team is currently engaged in the process of fully restructuring the FDS software. After the completion of that task, Voyager 1 will resume its scientific mission by gathering data from interstellar space.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are the sole artificial entities to traverse the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind and interstellar wind reach a state of balance. They have been engaged in interstellar travel for an extended period, transmitting information back to Earth. And it is expected that they will persist in doing so for an extended duration.

NASA’s projected budget for the upcoming years demonstrates a steadfast dedication to prolonging the Voyager mission well beyond its 50th anniversary in 2027.