#MeanwhileInOuterSpace

[svmariane]

Confirmed: Voyager 1 in Interstellar Space

Okay - this is significant to me, personally, hence the post.


Home Page - Deep Space Network


Waaaayyyyyyy back in the late 70's and early 80's I worked at Goldstone (out in the Mojave desert, Southern Calif) keeping the computers running for Deep Space Stations {DSS} 14, 12 & 11. {Before they closed down DSS 11.}

We tracked the birds {Voyagers 1 & 2, Viking Orbiters, et al}, handled the up/down links, and had way-high-pride at being part of the whole history-making endeavor.


Go, Voyager, GO !!!!

[StuM]

The obligatory XKCD:

xkcd: Voyager 1

[S/V Alchemy]

Must have been a good feeling to work at such a job.

[Reefmagnet]

Dunno what it uses for a power supply, but whatever it is would work great on a boat!

[Cavalier]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

Dunno what it uses for a power supply, but whatever it is would work great on a boat!

They use RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) that convert the thermal energy from radioactive decay to electricity via bimetallic thermo couples.



At launch they were producing around 470W (@ 30VDC). Last year they were down to somewhere around 280W due to half life reducing the activity level. To compensate they turn off systems (instruments) one at a time until they're eventually left with the telemetry, which is scheduled to run out of required power by 2025. Then Voyager 1 will wink out of contact



You could install the same RTG on your boat but you may be dissatisfied with the available amperage (40A at 12VDC), plus the fine and imprisonment from a coast-guard inspection for your unlicensed nuclear source may hurt too! ;-)

[dohenyboy]

A similar powerplant was used in early pacemakers. Yes, nuclear powered pacemakers


Sent from an undisclosed location on the high seas or from the lounge chair by the pool, you decide.

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Cavalier

They use RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) that convert the thermal energy from radioactive decay to electricity via bimetallic thermo couples.



At launch they were producing around 470W (@ 30VDC). Last year they were down to somewhere around 280W due to half life reducing the activity level. To compensate they turn off systems (instruments) one at a time until they're eventually left with the telemetry, which is scheduled to run out of required power by 2025. Then Voyager 1 will wink out of contact



You could install the same RTG on your boat but you may be dissatisfied with the available amperage (40A at 12VDC), plus the fine and imprisonment from a coast-guard inspection for your unlicensed nuclear source may hurt too! ;-)

Fine and imprisonment aside (and it's only illegal if you get caught, right?) - 40 amps 24x7 for 40 years??? I'm definitely keeping an eye on eBay for one of these suckers

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

Fine and imprisonment aside (and it's only illegal if you get caught, right?) - 40 amps 24x7 for 40 years??? I'm definitely keeping an eye on eBay for one of these suckers

If you want the one from Apollo 13, it's currently sitting somewhere around the Tonga Trench. Finders Keepers!

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by StuM

If you want the one from Apollo 13, it's currently sitting somewhere around the Tonga Trench. Finders Keepers!

I'm gonna need a bigger snorkel.