Incorrect NASA Command Results in Loss of Contact With Voyager 2 Probe at a Distance of 12 Billion Miles
Voyager 2 is the sequel to Voyager 1 and the second spacecraft to venture into interstellar space.
The American space agency NASA has experienced a temporary loss of communication with the Voyager 2 space probe, which holds the distinction of being the second-farthest human-made object ever launched into space. The probe is currently positioned more than 12.3 billion miles (19.9 billion kilometers) away from Earth. According to a statement from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the contact disruption occurred on July 21 due to a sequence of planned commands that unintentionally caused Voyager 2’s antenna to veer away from Earth. Despite a slight 2 percent shift in the spacecraft’s antenna position, it was sufficient to interrupt communications.
According to the statement from JPL, this alteration has disrupted the communication link between Voyager 2 and NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) ground antennas. As a result, data transmission from the spacecraft is no longer reaching the DSN, and the spacecraft is not able to receive commands from ground controllers.
As per the report, the Canberra antenna, an integral element of NASA’s DSN, is anticipated to transmit the accurate signal to Voyager 2 with the aim of precisely establishing contact.
If the current attempt fails, NASA will be required to wait until October for another opportunity.
Given the vast distance, it takes over 18 hours for a signal to travel from Voyager 2 to Earth.
According to the statement by JPL, Voyager 2 is designed to realign its orientation multiple times each year to maintain its antenna’s alignment with Earth. The next realignment is scheduled for October 15, which is expected to facilitate the resumption of communication. During this period, the mission team anticipates Voyager 2 to stay on its intended course without any disturbances.
Voyager 2 follows Voyager 1 and is the second spacecraft to venture into interstellar space. Originally launched from Florida in 1977 with the purpose of exploring the outer solar system, Voyager 2 reunited with its twin on December 10, 2018.
Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were specifically crafted to capitalize on a unique planetary alignment, enabling them to conduct detailed investigations of the outer solar system. Voyager 2, in particular, closely studied Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
