Tech Report: NASA managed to reconnect with its lost Voyager 2 probe, much sooner than expected. In July, a faulty command disrupted communication with the spacecraft, which had been exploring space since 1977. However, a loud “interstellar scream” command now realigned its antenna toward Earth.
The signal was received on Tuesday, and 37 hours later, mission controllers confirmed that the interstellar drive had been successful. The development is a relief, as NASA originally expected the spacecraft to return in October.
Voyager 2 is billions of miles from Earth, making communication difficult. The probe lost its ability to receive commands and transmit data to NASA’s Deep Space Network. Fortunately, it is now operating normally, and NASA expects it to remain on its intended path through space
Voyager 2, along with its twin, Voyager 1, are the only two spacecraft to have operated outside the heliosphere, the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun.
In 2018 and 2012, they entered interstellar space and they became remarkable achievements in space exploration. Voyager 2 also flew by Neptune and Uranus, cementing its place in history.
Although they will run out of power sometime after 2025, both spacecraft will continue their journey through space, leaving a lasting legacy of humanity’s quest for knowledge beyond our solar system.