Voyager 2 Switches to “Backup” Thrusters
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Artist's concept of NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
In a news announcement released today, NASA has reported that Voyager 2 successfully switched to its backup set of “roll” thrusters. The command was sent to Voyager 2 via NASA’s Deep Space Network. Confirmation of the command’s success was received today.
Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have six sets of thrusters to control the pitch, yaw and roll of the spacecraft. The combined total of six thrusters is made up of three pairs of primary thrusters and three backup pairs. As of today, both Voyager spacecraft are using all three backup thruster sets.
Built and operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are in the heliosheath – the region of our solar system where the solar wind is slowed by the pressure of interstellar gas. Voyager 1 is about 33 light-hours (118 A.U) from our Sun, and Voyager 2 is a bit less distant at just over a light-day’s distance (~26 light-hours / 97 A.U).
If you’d like to learn more about the Voyager missions, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/voyager
Source: NASA/JPL News Release
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:06:53
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2011/11/14/voyager-2-switches-to-backup-thrusters/
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