Tracking Voyager 1 and 2: Humanity's Most Distant Machines

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, launched in 1977, are the farthest human-made objects from Earth. Voyager 1 is more than 25 billion kilometres away and Voyager 2 more than 21 billion; follow both live on our Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 trackers. On 18 November 2026 Voyager 1 becomes the first spacecraft one light-day from Earth. Both spacecraft have entered interstellar space, having crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun's influence wanes. They are tracked using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a global array of radio antennas, and every spacecraft we follow beyond Earth orbit is on our Deep Space Tracker.

How Are Voyager 1 and 2 Tracked?

The Deep Space Network (DSN) plays a crucial role in tracking Voyager 1 and 2. This network consists of three antenna complexes located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. These facilities allow continuous communication with the spacecraft as Earth rotates. The DSN receives signals from the Voyagers, which are then analysed to determine their precise location and velocity. This data is essential for maintaining contact and ensuring the spacecraft's instruments continue to function.

Voyager 1 vs Voyager 2: Key Differences

While both spacecraft were launched in 1977, Voyager 2 was launched first on 20 August, followed by Voyager 1 on 5 September. Voyager 1 was sent on a faster trajectory and reached Jupiter and Saturn before Voyager 2. Voyager 2, however, had a more extended mission, visiting Uranus and Neptune. The two carried the same set of instruments, but Voyager 1's plasma science instrument (PLS) stopped working in 1980, so only Voyager 2 could measure the solar wind's plasma directly when it crossed the heliopause in 2018.

Why Voyager's Location Matters

Understanding the location of Voyager 1 and 2 is vital for several reasons. Scientifically, their position in interstellar space provides unique data about the heliosphere's boundary and the interstellar medium. This information helps scientists understand the Sun's influence on the solar system and the nature of space beyond it. Additionally, the Voyagers' continued operation demonstrates the durability and longevity of space technology, offering insights for future deep space missions.

Challenges in Tracking the Voyagers

Tracking the Voyagers presents several challenges. The immense distance results in a significant delay in communication: a signal takes about a day to reach Voyager 1 and about 20 hours to reach Voyager 2, one way. The weakening power supply, as the spacecraft's plutonium-238 decays, limits the number of instruments that can be operated simultaneously. Despite these challenges, NASA continues to maintain contact, prioritising data transmission from critical instruments.

Key Takeaways

Voyager 1 and 2 remain humanity's most distant emissaries, providing invaluable data from interstellar space. Their precise tracking is achieved through the Deep Space Network, despite the challenges posed by their vast distance. These missions continue to enhance our understanding of the solar system's boundaries and the space beyond. For more detailed information, visit the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 pages.