Voyager 1 Pluton

Voyager 1 Resumes Communication with Earth After 5-Month Hiatus

Ground Control Re-establishes Contact

May 5, 2024 - 11:28 AM ET | NASA Science

After a five-month silence, NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has successfully contacted Earth. The twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have been exploring the uncharted regions of space since their launch in 1977. On April 5, 2024, Voyager 1 finally responded to signals from mission control, updating NASA about its status.

Voyager 1's journey has taken it far beyond our solar system, into the realm of interstellar space. It is now approximately 14.5 billion miles from Earth, traveling at a speed of approximately 38,000 miles per hour. Despite its immense distance, the spacecraft's systems remain operational and continue to send back valuable scientific data.

The Voyager mission has provided groundbreaking insights into our solar system and the wider universe. Voyager 1 and 2 have studied the outer planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and have provided data on the heliosphere, the outermost layer of our sun's influence.

The recent communication from Voyager 1 is a testament to the spacecraft's remarkable longevity and the dedication of NASA scientists and engineers who have maintained contact with the spacecraft for nearly five decades. As Voyager 1 continues its journey, it will continue to collect data on the interstellar medium and provide valuable insights into the mysteries of our universe.