ScienceVoyager 2SpaceVoyager

Voyager 2 Celebrates 35th Birthday, Becomes NASA's Longest Space Mission

Longest-Running Space Mission Reaches Major Milestone
Open Image Modal

By: Megan Gannon, News Editor
Published: 08/21/2012 07:54 AM EDT on SPACE.com

The iconic Voyager 2 spacecraft celebrated its 35th birthday Monday (Aug. 20) in a milestone for NASA's longest-running mission ever.

Voyager 2 launched in 1977 just 16 days before its twin, Voyager 1. The probes were tasked chiefly with studying Saturn, Jupiter and the gas giants' moons, but have continued on through the solar system and are now about to cross into interstellar space. Voyager 1 is due to cross first, becoming the first manmade object to travel beyond our solar system, and Voyager 2 is not far behind.

"Even 35 years on, our rugged Voyager spacecraft are poised to make new discoveries as we eagerly await the signs that we've entered interstellar space," Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, said in a statement Monday. "Voyager results turned Jupiter and Saturn into full, tumultuous worlds, their moons from faint dots into distinctive places, and gave us our first glimpses of Uranus and Neptune up-close. We can't wait for Voyager to turn our models of the space beyond our sun into the first observations from interstellar space." [Voyager 2 Still Trekkin' at 35 (Video)]

On Aug. 13, Voyager 2 became NASA's longest-operating mission when it broke the previous record of 12,758 days of operation set by the Pioneer 6 probe, which launched on Dec. 16, 1965, and sent its last signal home on Dec. 8, 2000.

Voyager 2 is currently about 9 billion miles (15 billion kilometers) away from the sun and traveling away in a southerly direction, NASA officials said. For the past five years it has been sending back information about the outer layer of the heliosphere, the bubble of charged particles the sun blows around itself. No one really knows how long it will take to get to interstellar space, but NASA officials said the Voyager twins will have enough power to keep communicating with Earth until 2020, possibly 2025.

The Voyager 1 probe, meanwhile, is about 11 billion miles (18 billion km) from the sun and traveling north as it makes its way out of the solar system.

"We continue to listen to Voyager 1 and 2 nearly every day," Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said in NASA's statement. "The two spacecraft are in great shape for having flown through Jupiter’s dangerous radiation environment and having to endure the chill of being so far away from our sun."

In case the spacecraft encounter any life beyond our solar system, the Voyager probes each carry a golden record with a collection of sights and sounds from Earth, including 117 images and greetings in 54 languages, with a variety of natural and human-made sounds like storms, volcanoes, rocket launches, airplanes and animals. The collection was chosen by a committee chaired by the late Cornell University astronomer Carl Sagan.

Follow SPACE.com on Twitter @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook and Google+.

Copyright 2012 SPACE.com, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Early Space Missions And The Astronauts Who Led Them
(01 of37)
Open Image Modal
View of food packets for the Gemini 7 space flight packaged and ready for loading on the Gemini spacecraft. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(02 of37)
Open Image Modal
The Gemini-Titan 4 prime crew, astronauts James A. McDivitt (left), command pilot; and Edward H. White II, pilot, are pictured during water egress training at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(03 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronauts Charles Conrad (right), command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon (left), pilot, demonstrate tether procedure between their Gemini 11 spacecraft and the Agena Target Docking Vehicle at the post flight press conference. They use models of their spacecraft and its Agena to illustrate maneuvers. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(04 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., backup crew pilot of the Gemini 9 space flight, practices donning the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU) back pack in bldg 5 of the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(05 of37)
Open Image Modal
Artist concept of Gemini spacecraft and Command Module with two astronauts seated at the controls. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(06 of37)
Open Image Modal
Effects of the weightless environment on cell division, the basic growth process for living tissue, studied during the Gemini-Titan 3 flight on March 23, 1965. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(07 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut James A. McDivitt, commander of Gemini IV, suited in preparation for weight and balance tests. The objective of the Gemini IV mission was to evaluate and test the effects of four days in space on the crew, equipment and control systems. Pilot Edward White II successfully accomplished the first U.S. spacewalk during the Gemini IV mission. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(08 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., backup crew pilot of the Gemini 9 space flight, practices donning the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU) back pack in bldg 5 of the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(09 of37)
Open Image Modal
The Gemini VI, scheduled as a two-day mission, was launched December 15, 1965 from Pad 19, carrying astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr., Command Pilot, and Thomas P. Stafford, Pilot. Gemini VI rendezvoused with Gemini VII, already orbiting the Earth. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(10 of37)
Open Image Modal
Gemini-Titan 4 (GT-4) lift-off carrying James McDivitt and Ed White for a four-day mission. This flight included the first spacewalk by an American astronaut, performed by Ed White. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(11 of37)
Open Image Modal
Atlas Agena target vehicle liftoff for Gemini 11 from Pad 14. Once the Agena was in orbit, Gemini 11 rendezvoused and docked with it. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(12 of37)
Open Image Modal
Aerial view of the Gemini/Titan-II launch vehicle #1 liftoff at Cape Kennedy, Florida. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(13 of37)
Open Image Modal
Labeled photograph of the Middle East was taken by the crew of the Gemini 4 flight. Areas in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are labeled. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(14 of37)
Open Image Modal
A bank of clouds over the western Pacific Ocean was photographed by Astronaut Frank Borman and James A. Lovell during the Gemini 7 mission. In the background the moon can be seen. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(15 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., chief, astronaut office, NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, chomps vigorously on a cigar during relaxing moments following the Gemini-6 liftoff. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(16 of37)
Open Image Modal
View of the tracking screen at the front of the Mission Control Center during the Gemini-5 spaceflight. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(17 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee is shown at console in the Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas during the Gemini-Titan 3 flight. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(18 of37)
Open Image Modal
The wives of Gemini 4 astronauts James A. McDivitt and Edward H. White II visited the Mission Control in Houston. Left to right are: Mrs. Patricia McDivitt and Mrs. Patricia White. The wives were taking the opportunity to speak to their astronaut husbands as they passed over the United States. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(19 of37)
Open Image Modal
NASA successfully completed its first rendezvous mission with two Gemini spacecraft-Gemini VII and Gemini VI-in December 1965. This photograph, taken by Gemini VI crewmembers Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford, shows Gemini VII in orbit 160 miles (257 km) above Earth. The main purpose of Gemini VI was the rendezvous with Gemini VII. The main purpose of Gemini VII, on the other hand, was studying the long-term effects of long-duration (up to 14 days) space flight on a two-man crew. The pair also carried out 20 experiments, including medical tests. Although the principal objectives of both missions differed, they were both carried out so that NASA could master the technical challenges of getting into and working in space. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(20 of37)
Open Image Modal
The Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) as seen from the Gemini 9 spacecraft. The docking adapter protective cover failed to fully separate on the ATDA and prevented the docking of the two spacecraft. The ATDA was described by the Gemini 9 crew as an "angry alligator." (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(21 of37)
Open Image Modal
The Agena Target Vehicle as seen from the Gemini 8 spacecraft during rendezvous. This was the first time two spacecraft successfully docked, which was a critical milestone if a mission to the Moon was to become a reality. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(22 of37)
Open Image Modal
This photograph taken on December 15, 1965 shows the Gemini 7 spacecraft as it was observed from the hatch window of the Gemini 6 spacecraft during rendezvous manuevers and station keeping at a distance of approximately 9 feet apart. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(23 of37)
Open Image Modal
The Gemini 10 spacecraft is successfully docked with the Agena Target Vehicle. The Agena display panel is clearly visible as is glow from Agena's primary propulsion system. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(24 of37)
Open Image Modal
Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot of the Gemini 12 spacecraft performs extravehicular activity (EVA) during the second day of the four day mission in space. Aldrin is positioned next to the Agena work station. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(25 of37)
Open Image Modal
An unusual view of the Gemini 9 spacecraft taken by Eugene Cernan during his Extravehicular Activity (EVA). His umbilical and spacecraft are visible though he is not. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(26 of37)
Open Image Modal
Edward H. White II, pilot of the Gemini 4 spacecraft, floats in the zero gravity of space with an earth limb backdrop. The extravehicular activity was performed during the third revolution of the Gemini 4 spacecraft and represents the first time an American has stepped outside the confines of his spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU). The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(27 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, floats in zero gravity of space. The extravehicular activity was performed during the third revolution of the Gemini 4 spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU). The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(28 of37)
Open Image Modal
On June 3, 1965 Edward H. White II became the first American to step outside his spacecraft and let go, effectively setting himself adrift in the zero gravity of space. For 23 minutes White floated and maneuvered himself around the Gemini spacecraft while logging 6500 miles during his orbital stroll. White was attached to the spacecraft by a 25 foot umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) which is used to move about the weightless environment of space. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(29 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, floats in zero gravity of space. The extravehicular activity was performed during the third revolution of the Gemini 4 spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU). The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(30 of37)
Open Image Modal
On June 3, 1965 Edward H. White II became the first American to step outside his spacecraft and let go, effectively setting himself adrift in the zero gravity of space. For 23 minutes White floated and maneuvered himself around the Gemini spacecraft while logging 6500 miles during his orbital stroll. White was attached to the spacecraft by a 25 foot umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand White carries a Hand Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) which is used to move about the weightless environment of space. The visor of his helmet is gold plated to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(31 of37)
Open Image Modal
Waves of clouds along the east flanks of the Andes Mountains cast off an orange glow by the low angle of the sun in the West. The dark area to the left is the Earth's terminator. This view was photographed by astronaut Frank Borman and James A. Lovell during the Gemini 7 mission, looking South from Northern Bolivia across the Andes. The Intermontane Salt Basins are visible in the background. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(32 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and David R. Scott sit with their spacecraft hatches open while awaiting the arrival of the recovery ship, the USS Leonard F. Mason after the successful completion of their Gemini VIII mission. They are assisted by USAF Pararescuemen Eldrige M. Neal, Larry D. Huyett, and Glenn M. Moore. The overhead view shows the Gemini 8 spacecraft with the yellow flotation collar attached to stabilize the spacecraft in choppy seas. The green marker dye is highly visible from the air and is used as a locating aid. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(33 of37)
Open Image Modal
As a helicopter hovers above, the Gemini-12 spacecraft with parachute open descends to the Atlantic with astronauts Jim Lovell and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin aboard. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(34 of37)
Open Image Modal
Navy divers exit their helicopter to recover the Gemini 5 spacecraft and astronauts shortly after splashdown. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(35 of37)
Open Image Modal
Astronaut Charles Conrad, Jr., command pilot of the Gemini 11 space flight, is hoisted aboard a recovery helicopter from the U.S.S. Guam. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon, Jr., pilot, sits in life raft below waiting to be picked up. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(36 of37)
Open Image Modal
Dr. Louis P. Ballenberger, Captain, USN, begins a preliminary physical examination of astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr., Gemini-5 command pilot, following the successful recovery of the Gemini-5 crew in the splashdown area in the Atlantic Ocean. (credit:NASA/JSC/ASU)
(37 of37)
Open Image Modal
Gemini 5 astronaut Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr. looking out of the helicopter window after recovery from his spacecraft after the splashdown. (credit:NASA)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip