NASA grants Voyager 2 probe another year of power with risky 'Big Bang' maneuver. Now, will it work for Voyager 1? - Live Science
NASA has successfully implemented a power-saving 'Big Bang' maneuver on the Voyager 2 probe to extend its operational life. The agency is now evaluating whether a similar procedure can be applied to Voyager 1 to keep its scientific instruments running.
Why it matters
Extending the life of these historic probes allows for continued data collection from interstellar space, providing unique insights into the outer reaches of our solar system.
Voyager 1 is running low on power for science, but a successful energy-saving maneuver on Voyager 2 raises hope that the 50-year-old spacecraft can keep going.
By Elizabeth Howell Edited by Brandon Specktor , Laura Mondrag n Published 7 August 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
An artist's concept of the Voyager probes. After performing a power-saving maneuver on Voyager 2, NASA has similar plans in mind for Voyager 1, humanity's most distant spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 1 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Scientists are preparing for an interstellar rescue of humanity's most distant spacecraft, Voyager 1, after fixing up its twin from billions of miles away.
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