Voyager 1 Power Crisis Deepens as NASA Switches Off Another Instrument

Voyager 1 power management after 50 years

After nearly five decades cruising the interstellar void, Voyager 1 faces a stark power shortage. NASA has now turned off the Cosmic Ray Subsystem to stretch the dwindling nuclear supply, marking the latest step in a series of shutdowns.

The spacecraft’s radioisotope thermoelectric generator now delivers ↓ 0.07 watts, far below the levels required for full science operations. Engineers are preparing a daring “Big Bang” thruster pulse that could re‑orient the antenna toward Earth, buying precious hours of communication.

“Every watt counts as we push the limits of what a decades‑old probe can do,” a NASA spokesperson told Reuters.

With the next instrument slated for hibernation in the coming months, the mission’s longevity hinges on careful power budgeting and the success of the upcoming maneuver.

Reported by: Nova Stirling

Aerospace & Space Tech Correspondent