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NASA Deactivates Voyager 2 Instrument to Extend Mission Lifespan
NASA has deactivated the low-energy charged particle instrument aboard Voyager 2 to conserve power, extending the lifespan of other instruments on the probe and its twin, Voyager 1; this follows a similar deactivation on Voyager 1 last month, with both probes now having three of their ten instruments still functioning.
- How do the power constraints on Voyager 1 and 2 relate to the overall lifespan of these missions?
- This action reflects the diminishing power output of the probes' radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). Each probe loses approximately 4 watts of power annually, necessitating the prioritization of essential instruments for continued operation. The Voyagers, launched in 1977, have long surpassed their primary mission and continue to provide valuable data from interstellar space.
- What is the immediate impact of NASA's decision to deactivate Voyager 2's low-energy charged particle instrument?
- NASA has deactivated the low-energy charged particle instrument on Voyager 2 to extend the lifespan of remaining instruments. This follows a similar energy-saving measure on Voyager 1 last month. The instrument, which has exceeded its expected lifespan by a factor of over 17, was used to measure cosmic rays.
- What are the long-term implications of the progressive deactivation of instruments on both Voyager probes, considering their ongoing scientific value?
- While the deactivation of instruments ensures the Voyagers' operational longevity, it also limits scientific data collection. Future deactivations are planned for next year, indicating a gradual decline in the probes' capabilities. However, even after they become silent, their golden records carrying sounds and images of Earth will remain as potential interstellar messages.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral, presenting the facts of the power reduction and the reasons behind NASA's decision. However, the emphasis on the longevity of the probes and the value of their continued operation, even with reduced functionality, could be interpreted as subtly promoting a positive view of NASA's actions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the technical aspects of the Voyager probes' power reduction and doesn't explore broader implications, such as the scientific community's reaction to the loss of data or potential future missions that could build upon Voyager's findings. This omission might leave the reader with an incomplete picture of the significance of this event.