WASHINGTON: NASA has restored communication with Voyager 1, which had been offline due to power issues for weeks.
In October, the spacecraft switched from its primary X-band transmitter to a weaker S-band transmitter automatically.
This change happened because Voyager 1’s computer determined there was insufficient power after a heater was activated.
The switch caused a month-long blackout, preventing the team from reciving data or monitoring the spacecraft.
After troubleshooting, NASA engineers successfully restored communication with Voyager 1, now receiving daily data again from mid-November.
The team continues to face challenges, with Voyager 1, launched 47 years ago, still operating beyond expectations.
Both Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, continue to explore deep space despite aging technology and power constraints.