Why Has NASA Not Built Another Voyager Class Probe?

There seems to be a confusion about why NASA hasn't developed another Voyager-class probe despite the success of the original two. The answer lies in the continuous advancement of technology and the focus on modern missions with contemporary capabilities and purposes.

Understanding the Voyagers

Two Voyager probes, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, were launched by NASA in 1977 as part of the Voyager Program. These spacecraft were designed to explore the outer planets and interstellar space. While their legacy is undoubtedly remarkable, they are now well beyond their expected lifetimes and continue to operate despite being over 40 years old.

Voyager 1 and 2

Voyager 1: Launched on September 5, 1977, this probe made flybys of Jupiter and Saturn before venturing into interstellar space in 2012. It remains the farthest human-made object from Earth.

Voyager 2: Launched just a few weeks earlier on August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 is the only probe to have visited Uranus and Neptune. It entered interstellar space in 2018 after crossing the heliopause.

The Argument Against Using Outdated Technology

Some argue against building new probes using 1970s technology, believing it to be obsolete. However, NASA wouldn't rely on obsolete technology for future missions. Instead, they would develop cutting-edge probes equipped with the latest technology, as seen in recent missions like those of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.

NASA’s Modern Space Probes

Following the success of the Voyager program, NASA has initiated several significant deep space missions utilizing the latest technologies:

Galileo (1989-2003)

This mission focused on Jupiter and its moons, discovering evidence of subsurface oceans on Europa and volcanic activity on Io. While its operational life was tragically cut short by the probe's impact with Jupiter, the data it collected is invaluable.

Cassini (1997-2017)

This probe studied Saturn, its rings, and moons, revealing the complex structures of the rings and subsurface oceans on Enceladus. Its mission also included sending the Huygens probe to the surface of Titan, another moon of Saturn.

New Horizons (2006)

This mission flew by Pluto in 2015, providing unprecedented detail about the dwarf planet and its moons. It continues to explore objects in the Kuiper Belt, further expanding our understanding of the outer solar system.

Parker Solar Probe (2018)

Focusing on the Sun, the Parker Solar Probe has provided the first data from within the Sun's corona. Its close encounters with the Sun have revolutionized our understanding of solar winds and heliophysics.

Juno (2011)

Currently orbiting Jupiter, the Juno spacecraft is studying its atmosphere, magnetic field, and moons. This mission has already provided new insights into the giant planet's structure and composition.

The Funding and Public Interest Debate

The development of advanced space probes often hinges on public interest and funding. The Voyagers, while extraordinary, are tackling an era when technology and scientific questions are different. Modern missions need to address contemporary challenges and provide a return on investment through scientific discovery, technological innovation, and public engagement.

Are enough people interested to approve the budget for a modern Voyager-class probe? The answer is nuanced. While the discoveries from Voyager continue to captivate, the scientific community and the public have evolving interests.

Some might argue that a new Voyager-class probe should be prioritized, given its significance. However, the development of advanced probes offers a broader range of benefits, including scientific breakthroughs, technological advancements, and educational opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision to fund a new Voyager-class probe or to invest in modern space missions depends on a balance of scientific priorities, technological possibilities, and public interest. As space exploration continues to advance, so too must our understanding of what is necessary to fuel this ambitious and vital endeavor.