NASA has lost contact with Voyager 2. The probe is approximately 20 billion km from Earth
NASA scientists have confirmed the loss of communication with the Voyager 2 research probe. The device, located a staggering 20 billion kilometers from Earth, cannot receive commands or send data. Recovering the signal may take up to several months.
A microscopic error by NASA specialists may cost humanity dearly. The Voyager 2 probe, located extremely far from our planet, stopped reporting to the ground base. According to experts, this may be the result of recent changes.
Voyager 2 has lost contact with Earth – the probe is on its own
The source of the problem was the last series of commands for Voyager. On July 21, the machine obediently carried out all commands, but one of them inadvertently changed the setting of the transmitting and receiving antenna two degrees too far. Such a small change was enough for the probe to completely lose contact with the Earth base.
Fortunately, all is not lost yet. Voyager 2 is programmed to regularly adjust the position of the probe and tune the antenna. Unfortunately, the machine does not do this very often. The next reset of the antenna position is scheduled for October 15, 2023.
NASA predicts that although contact will be regained in a few months, the threat is not critical. Until then, Voyager 2 will simply continue on its pre-planned course.
Voyager 1 and 2 continue to explore space
The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes were sent into space in 1977, very close to each other. Both machines are to explore the furthest corners of the Solar System and send data about their findings to Earth.
Voyager 1 is currently approximately 21.4 billion kilometers from Earth and is operating without any problems. In the past, the probe was used to study Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Voyager 2 is currently nearly 20 billion kilometers away from the Blue Planet. The second probe model was the first man-made object to fly beyond the orbit of Uranus. The probe discovered, among others: a dozen new moons. In 2018, it entered interstellar space and continues its journey.
