Questions: The Voyager mission was launched in 1977. It was originally supposed to be a 5year mission, but it is in still in operation today. Why was that possible?

The Voyager mission was launched in 1977. It was originally supposed to be a 5year mission, but it is in still in operation today. Why was that possible?
Transcript text: The Voyager mission was launched in 1977. It was originally supposed to be a 5year mission, but it is in still in operation today. Why was that possible?
failed

Solution

failed
failed

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Voyager Mission's Original Plan

The Voyager mission, consisting of Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, was launched in 1977 with an initial plan for a 5-year mission. The primary goal was to take advantage of a rare planetary alignment to study the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Step 2: Technological Advancements and Design

The spacecraft were designed with advanced technology for their time, including robust power systems and scientific instruments. The use of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) provided a long-lasting power source, enabling the spacecraft to operate far beyond the initial mission timeline.

Step 3: Extended Mission and Continued Discoveries

Due to the success of the initial mission and the continued functionality of the spacecraft, NASA extended the mission multiple times. The spacecraft have continued to send valuable scientific data back to Earth, including information about the heliosphere and interstellar space.

Final Answer

The Voyager mission is still in operation today because of the robust design of the spacecraft, the use of long-lasting power sources, and the continued scientific value of the data being collected. \(\boxed{\text{The mission was extended due to its success and continued functionality.}}\)

Was this solution helpful?
failed
Unhelpful
failed
Helpful

Questions asked by other users

failedAnswered
Answer the following questions. 1) Select the best answer. The region of Europe where tundra can be found is Europe. Eastern Southern Northern Western
failedAnswered
Simplify. √(y^17)
failedAnswered
A balanced chemical equation indicates the proportions or ratios of the various reactants and products to one another. From the coefficients in the balanced chemical equation, we can create mole-mole ratios that relate any of the various chemicals to a different chemical. For example, consider the following balanced chemical equation: N2(g)+3 H2(g) rightarrow 2 NH3(g) From this equation, there are several possible mole-mole ratios. Two of these mole-mole ratios are the following: 3 moles H2/1 mole N2 or 2 moles NH3/3 moles H2 How many moles of sodium nitride, NaN3, are needed to produce 3.94 moles of nitrogen, N2? 2 NaN3(s) rightarrow 2 Na(s)+3 N2(g) 5.91 moles of NaN3 3.94 moles of NaN3 3.80 moles of NaN3 2.63 moles of NaN3
failedAnswered
Use the banker's rule. Find the maturity value of the undiscounted promissory note shown The maturity value of the undiscounted promissory note is . (Round to the nearest cent as needed.)
failedAnswered
Simplify: c^5 cdot c^6 cdot c^3 cdot c^2 (Give answer in exponential form.)