Voyager 1 deep space

Launched by NASA in 1977, Voyager 1 is the farthest human-made object in interstellar space.

About this subject

Voyager 1 was launched on September 5, 1977, aboard a Titan IIIE rocket. Its primary mission was to explore the Jupiter and Saturn systems, revealing unprecedented details about these planets and their moons. After completing that phase, the probe continued its journey into deep space, becoming the first spacecraft to cross the heliopause in 2012, the boundary where the solar wind gives way to the interstellar medium. Today, Voyager 1 travels more than 24 billion kilometers from the Sun at a speed of approximately 61,000 km/h.

The probe still operates scientific instruments such as magnetometers and particle detectors, collecting data on the interstellar environment. However, the electrical power generated by its radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) decreases by about 4 watts per year. To conserve energy, NASA has gradually turned off non-essential instruments. Communication with Earth is conducted via the Deep Space Network, with a delay of over 22 hours for each message.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Voyager 1 is the Golden Record, a copper phonograph record plated with gold that carries greetings, music, and images of Earth. Created by a committee led by Carl Sagan, the record includes 55 greetings in different languages, 115 images, and sounds such as whale songs and a baby's cry. The probe also carries a recorded message from then-President Jimmy Carter. Voyager 1 is expected to continue transmitting scientific data until approximately 2025, when its battery will be depleted. After that, it will silently continue its trajectory through the galaxy, perhaps for billions of years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current distance of Voyager 1?

As of 2025, Voyager 1 is approximately 24 billion kilometers from the Sun, traveling at about 61,000 km/h in interstellar space.

Does Voyager 1 still send data?

Yes, the probe still transmits scientific data via the Deep Space Network, though some instruments have been turned off to conserve power. Transmissions are expected to continue until around 2025.

What is written on the Golden Record?

The Golden Record contains greetings in 55 languages, 115 images of life on Earth, sounds such as music and whale songs, and a message from US President Jimmy Carter, intended for any extraterrestrial civilization that might find it.