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> Launched in 1977, both Voyagers have operated far longer than mission planners expected, and are the only spacecraft to collect data in interstellar space. W
by richardfey 4y ago
> Launched in 1977, both Voyagers have operated far longer than mission planners expected, and are the only spacecraft to collect data in interstellar space.
Why haven't we launched more since they proved so useful?
- changoplatanero 4y agoIsn’t it also true that these were launched during a special window in time when the planets aligned in such a way that made for a favorable trajectory?
- accrual 4y agoThat's exactly correct. The alignment allowed the spacecrafts to fly by the major planets using gravity assists and minimal fuel for corrections. Both Voyagers launched in 1977. The alignment occurs every 175 years, so 130 years to go to the next one (~2152). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Tour_program https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Tour_program
- hericium 4y agoIt's just science. It doesn't fill anyone's pockets quick enough to be an incentive.
- ISL 4y agoWe have: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons