https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

dv said:

https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

We benefit from others work with our location

Well done.

dv said:

https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

The Rev Dodgson said:

dv said:

https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

yep, because voyager is in the southern region of the solar system.

ChrispenEvan said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

dv said:

https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

yep, because voyager is in the southern region of the solar system.

Also known as the arse end of the solar system.

Divine Angel said:

ChrispenEvan said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

yep, because voyager is in the southern region of the solar system.

Also known as the arse end of the solar system.

Now if the Australian larrikin stereotype was accurate, that would be a real space agency :)

ChrispenEvan said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

dv said:

https://www.livescience.com/nasa-makes-contact-voyager-2-long-radio-silence.html

There’s never been a radio silence quite like this one. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft.

The breakdown in communications – lasting since March, almost eight months and a whole pandemic ago – wasn’t due to some rogue malfunction, nor any run-in with interstellar space weirdness (although there’s that too).

In this instance, it was more a case of routine maintenance. And yet, when you’re one of the farthest-flying spacecraft in history – leaving Earth and even the entire solar system behind you – nothing much is ever truly routine.

In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

During this window, Voyager 2, which is currently over 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) away from Earth and getting farther all the time, wouldn’t be able to receive any communications from Earth, although its own broadcasts back to us would still be received by scientists.

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

yep, because voyager is in the southern region of the solar system.

Ta. Didn’t know that. DSS -43 is by far the largest of the Tidbinbilla dishes.

> In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2020-044

“during that time we’ll be able to receive data from Voyager 2 using other dishes, but while we can listen, we won’t be able to talk back”

Oh, that’s not bad.

“a special S-band transmitter is required to send commands to Voyager 2 – one both powerful enough to reach interstellar space and on a frequency that can communicate with Voyager’s dated technology. The Canberra 70-meter antenna (called “DSS43”) is the only such antenna in the southern hemisphere. As the equipment in the antenna ages, the risk of unplanned outages will increase, which adds more risk to the Voyager mission. The planned upgrades will not only reduce that risk, but will also add state-of-the art technology upgrades.”

“The repairs will benefit the Mars 2020 rover and Moon to Mars exploration efforts. The network will play a critical role in ensuring communication and navigation support for both the precursor Moon and Mars missions and the crewed Artemis missions.”

“the work on the 70-meter antenna is like bringing an old car into the shop: There’s never a good time to do it, but it will make the car much more dependable if you do.”

mollwollfumble said:

ChrispenEvan said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

Didn’t know that ‘Straya is the only country in the World in communication with Voyager.

yep, because voyager is in the southern region of the solar system.

Ta. Didn’t know that. DSS -43 is by far the largest of the Tidbinbilla dishes.

> In March, NASA announced that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 2, required critical upgrades and would need to shut down for approximately 11 months for the work to be completed.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2020-044

“during that time we’ll be able to receive data from Voyager 2 using other dishes, but while we can listen, we won’t be able to talk back”

Oh, that’s not bad.

“a special S-band transmitter is required to send commands to Voyager 2 – one both powerful enough to reach interstellar space and on a frequency that can communicate with Voyager’s dated technology. The Canberra 70-meter antenna (called “DSS43”) is the only such antenna in the southern hemisphere. As the equipment in the antenna ages, the risk of unplanned outages will increase, which adds more risk to the Voyager mission. The planned upgrades will not only reduce that risk, but will also add state-of-the art technology upgrades.”

“The repairs will benefit the Mars 2020 rover and Moon to Mars exploration efforts. The network will play a critical role in ensuring communication and navigation support for both the precursor Moon and Mars missions and the crewed Artemis missions.”

“the work on the 70-meter antenna is like bringing an old car into the shop: There’s never a good time to do it, but it will make the car much more dependable if you do.”

All we need on top of Trump and Covid is a rambling satellite outside our solar system.

Divine Angel said:

Also known as the arse end of the solar system.

PMSL. Design based on the Torres Strait Islander Flag, I see.

Meanwhile,

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-01/canberra-deep-space-communication-complex-look-for-voyager-2/102672664

Although the chances of quickly restoring communications are seen as a long shot, the spacecraft will automatically reset in October which should do the trick. “We’ll hear back from Voyager in October and continue this amazing journey across the solar system and beyond,” Mr Nagle said. He said Voyager 2 was put into hibernation mode during upgrades to the Canberra dish in 2021, causing a similar communications outage. Voyager 2 passed into interstellar space in 2018.

. Well fuck we didn’t even hear about this part.

The mistake from NASA operators only shifted the spacecraft’s antenna by 2 degrees, but that was enough for it to lose contact with the Earth-based tracking station 19 billion kilometres away.

SCIENCE said:

Meanwhile,

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-01/canberra-deep-space-communication-complex-look-for-voyager-2/102672664

Although the chances of quickly restoring communications are seen as a long shot, the spacecraft will automatically reset in October which should do the trick. “We’ll hear back from Voyager in October and continue this amazing journey across the solar system and beyond,” Mr Nagle said. He said Voyager 2 was put into hibernation mode during upgrades to the Canberra dish in 2021, causing a similar communications outage. Voyager 2 passed into interstellar space in 2018.

. Well fuck we didn’t even hear about this part.

The mistake from NASA operators only shifted the spacecraft’s antenna by 2 degrees, but that was enough for it to lose contact with the Earth-based tracking station 19 billion kilometres away.

What would 2 degrees equal in regards to Voyager 2 location versus were the dish was transmitting/receiving.

Praise the Lord.

Cymek said:

SCIENCE said:

Meanwhile,

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-01/canberra-deep-space-communication-complex-look-for-voyager-2/102672664

Although the chances of quickly restoring communications are seen as a long shot, the spacecraft will automatically reset in October which should do the trick. “We’ll hear back from Voyager in October and continue this amazing journey across the solar system and beyond,” Mr Nagle said. He said Voyager 2 was put into hibernation mode during upgrades to the Canberra dish in 2021, causing a similar communications outage. Voyager 2 passed into interstellar space in 2018.

. Well fuck we didn’t even hear about this part.

The mistake from NASA operators only shifted the spacecraft’s antenna by 2 degrees, but that was enough for it to lose contact with the Earth-based tracking station 19 billion kilometres away.

What would 2 degrees equal in regards to Voyager 2 location versus were the dish was transmitting/receiving.

I’m quite prepared to be corrected on this, but i work it out as putting the transmissions off-target by 66,310,000,000 km.

captain_spalding said:

Cymek said:

SCIENCE said:

Meanwhile,

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-01/canberra-deep-space-communication-complex-look-for-voyager-2/102672664

Although the chances of quickly restoring communications are seen as a long shot, the spacecraft will automatically reset in October which should do the trick. “We’ll hear back from Voyager in October and continue this amazing journey across the solar system and beyond,” Mr Nagle said. He said Voyager 2 was put into hibernation mode during upgrades to the Canberra dish in 2021, causing a similar communications outage. Voyager 2 passed into interstellar space in 2018.

. Well fuck we didn’t even hear about this part.

The mistake from NASA operators only shifted the spacecraft’s antenna by 2 degrees, but that was enough for it to lose contact with the Earth-based tracking station 19 billion kilometres away.

What would 2 degrees equal in regards to Voyager 2 location versus were the dish was transmitting/receiving.

I’m quite prepared to be corrected on this, but i work it out as putting the transmissions off-target by 66,310,000,000 km.

And if i’m wrong by an order of magnitude, then it’s a mere 66,310,000 km off-target.

captain_spalding said:

captain_spalding said:

Cymek said:

What would 2 degrees equal in regards to Voyager 2 location versus were the dish was transmitting/receiving.

I’m quite prepared to be corrected on this, but i work it out as putting the transmissions off-target by 66,310,000,000 km.

And if i’m wrong by an order of magnitude, then it’s a mere 66,310,000 km off-target.

imagine not being able to find a dot in a haystack

Arts said:

captain_spalding said:

captain_spalding said:

I’m quite prepared to be corrected on this, but i work it out as putting the transmissions off-target by 66,310,000,000 km.

And if i’m wrong by an order of magnitude, then it’s a mere 66,310,000 km off-target.

imagine not being able to find a dot in a haystack

Yeah 2° is a fuckload, it’s like 70 cm at 20 m, sorry we use SI so you’ll have to deal with it.

Like if you try to cut someone at 20 m with a LASER and you’re off by 2° you’ll end up cutting the person next to them instead.

SCIENCE said:

Arts said:

captain_spalding said:

And if i’m wrong by an order of magnitude, then it’s a mere 66,310,000 km off-target.

imagine not being able to find a dot in a haystack

Yeah 2° is a fuckload, it’s like 70 cm at 20 m, sorry we use SI so you’ll have to deal with it.

Like if you try to cut someone at 20 m with a LASER and you’re off by 2° you’ll end up cutting the person next to them instead.

A 2 deg error puts you ‘off’ by just about 3.5 cm over 1 metre. Over 10m, it’d be about 35cm, or more than a foot in old numbers. Over 20m, you’ll probably miss the target altogether.

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

Arts said:

imagine not being able to find a dot in a haystack

Yeah 2° is a fuckload, it’s like 70 cm at 20 m, sorry we use SI so you’ll have to deal with it.

Like if you try to cut someone at 20 m with a LASER and you’re off by 2° you’ll end up cutting the person next to them instead.

A 2 deg error puts you ‘off’ by just about 3.5 cm over 1 metre. Over 10m, it’d be about 35cm, or more than a foot in old numbers. Over 20m, you’ll probably miss the target altogether.

just use a bigger target.

ChrispenEvan said:

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

Yeah 2° is a fuckload, it’s like 70 cm at 20 m, sorry we use SI so you’ll have to deal with it.

Like if you try to cut someone at 20 m with a LASER and you’re off by 2° you’ll end up cutting the person next to them instead.

A 2 deg error puts you ‘off’ by just about 3.5 cm over 1 metre. Over 10m, it’d be about 35cm, or more than a foot in old numbers. Over 20m, you’ll probably miss the target altogether.

just use a bigger target.

Texas Instruments

ChrispenEvan said:

captain_spalding said:

SCIENCE said:

Yeah 2° is a fuckload, it’s like 70 cm at 20 m, sorry we use SI so you’ll have to deal with it.

Like if you try to cut someone at 20 m with a LASER and you’re off by 2° you’ll end up cutting the person next to them instead.

A 2 deg error puts you ‘off’ by just about 3.5 cm over 1 metre. Over 10m, it’d be about 35cm, or more than a foot in old numbers. Over 20m, you’ll probably miss the target altogether.

just use a bigger target.

The article mentions only shifted by two degrees which doesn’t seem a lot until you factor in the distance