Link to the science release on NASA website
On April 17, engineers at JPL turned off the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, known as the LECP, because the spacecraft is running critically low on power. Voyager 1 runs on a device that converts heat from decaying plutonium into electricity, but both Voyager probes lose about 4 watts of power every year.
After nearly five decades in space, there's barely enough left to keep things running. In February 2026, a routine maneuver caused Voyager 1's power to dip unexpectedly, putting it dangerously close to triggering an automatic shutdown — a recovery process that carries its own serious risks. Rather than let that happen, the team took control and cut the LECP first.
Voyager 1 still has two working instruments — one that listens to plasma waves and one that measures magnetic fields — continuing to send back data from interstellar space, a region no other human-made craft has ever reached.
Engineers believe this move buys about a year of extra operation, during which they plan to test a larger power-saving overhaul on Voyager 2 before attempting it on Voyager 1, possibly as early as July 2026. If that works, the LECP could even be switched back on.
Credit: LeftCG
by Busy_Yesterday9455
11 Comments
I honestly can’t fathom how they can still operate instruments on a space probe so far away that was launched almost 50 years ago, really cool regardless how long Voyager 1 has lasted and that we can still somehow get data from it
What’s with the stupid ass cgi video attached?
Still insane how its going on technology from the 70s to. Its really just amazing, and how they are able to still communicate with it.
FYI: [Voyager 1 Is About to Reach One Light-day from Earth](https://www.reddit.com/r/spaceporn/comments/1p6teo0/voyager_1_is_about_to_reach_one_lightday_from/)
After nearly 50 years in space, NASA’s Voyager 1 is about to hit a historic milestone. **By November 15, 2026**, it will be 16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion km) away, meaning a radio signal will take a full 24 hours — a full light-day — to reach it.
This is absolutely amazing. Look at what we’ve done, what an accomplishment.
“Old soldiers never die,[ they just fade away](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG1oQgzHoLQ).”
Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Props to the cameraman
I am waiting for Voyager 1 to stop and then start traveling back to us. Shit will get real then.
When do we get the cameras back that are taking this video? Really neat to watch. Be amazed to see what else they have.
There is a great doco “The Farthest”
Live Long and Prosper Vyger 🖖