Voyager 1 deep space

Voyager 1, launched in 1977, is the most distant human-made object from Earth, now traveling through interstellar space.

About this subject

Voyager 1 is an American space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, with the initial goal of exploring Jupiter and Saturn. After completing its planetary mission, it continued its trajectory out of the Solar System. On August 25, 2012, Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind meets the interstellar medium, becoming the first human-made object to enter interstellar space. Currently, the probe is over 24 billion kilometers from Earth, traveling at about 17 km/s toward deep space.

The probe carries the famous Golden Record, a phonograph record containing sounds and images of life on Earth, designed to communicate our existence to any extraterrestrial civilization that might find it. Additionally, Voyager 1 still sends scientific data to NASA, although its power is gradually declining. Its instruments are expected to remain operational until around the mid-2020s, when the energy from its radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) will run out.

Voyager 1 is part of the Voyager program, which also includes its twin probe, Voyager 2. Both were built to last only a few years but have exceeded expectations, operating for over 45 years. The mission's success provided crucial data about the giant planets, their moons and rings, and revolutionized our understanding of the outer Solar System. Voyager 1's journey into interstellar space continues to inspire generations and symbolizes humanity's curiosity to explore the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Voyager 1 now?

Voyager 1 is in interstellar space, over 24 billion kilometers from Earth, traveling toward deep space.

How long can Voyager 1 last?

Its instruments are expected to operate until around the mid-2020s, when the power from its radioisotope thermoelectric generators runs out. After that, it will continue traveling silently.

What is the Golden Record on Voyager?

It is a phonograph record containing sounds and images of life on Earth, including greetings in 55 languages, music, and photos, to communicate our existence to possible alien civilizations.