NASA Engineers Pull Off Thrilling Comeback with Reviving Voyager 1's Thrusters!

Voyager 1, launched by NASA in 1977, has been on an incredible journey, traveling more than 15 billion miles from Earth into the depths of interstellar space. As it carries out its mission in the vast, uncharted territory beyond our solar system, maintaining communication with Earth has become increasingly crucial. This is achieved through its thrusters, which are responsible for orienting the spacecraft so that its antenna remains pointed towards Earth. Without functioning thrusters, Voyager 1's ability to transmit the invaluable data it collects about this distant frontier would be compromised. This understanding underscores the significance of the recent success by NASA engineers in reactivating Voyager 1's primary thrusters after they had been dormant for over two decades .

The challenge of reviving Voyager 1's thrusters was compounded by the spacecraft's staggering distance from Earth, leading to significant communication delays. Conducting any repair operation required not only precise planning but also accounted for the inherent risks, including the possibility of the spacecraft deviating off‑course. If the repair had failed, it would have jeopardized Voyager 1's entire mission, possibly leading to an automatic firing sequence that could cause the spacecraft to explode. This risky yet successful operation reflected the ingenuity and perseverance of NASA's engineers who overcame these technological challenges to extend the lifespan of this historic mission .

Voyager 1's thrusters play a pivotal role in extending the spacecraft's mission, ensuring it remains oriented towards Earth and continues to send back invaluable data from the edge of our solar system. The primary thrusters, recently revived after two decades of dormancy, are critical for maintaining the orientation needed for communication with Earth. This intricate process of keeping the spacecraft on course is achieved through carefully timed bursts from the thrusters, allowing the antenna to remain pointed towards Earth across the vast distances of interstellar space ().

The significance of the thrusters extends beyond basic orientation, as they are vital for the continued collection and transmission of scientific data. Since its launch, Voyager 1 has traversed over 15 billion miles, a testament to the spacecraft's durability and the effectiveness of its thrusters in adjusting its trajectory. This longevity allows Voyager 1 to explore regions previously thought unreachable, providing unique insights into the conditions of interstellar space, an area beyond the influence of our Sun ().

Repairing Voyager 1's thrusters was not without risks, but the successful maneuver means that the spacecraft can continue to fulfill its mission objectives. The repair was vital, particularly with the Deep Space Station 43 antenna offline until 2026, emphasizing the necessity of the thrusters in maintaining a communication link with Earth. The renewed functionality of these thrusters allows NASA to prolong the mission's operational life, enabling further exploration and data gathering from the depths of space ().

Repairing the Voyager 1 spacecraft has not been without its challenges and risks. Engineers faced significant difficulties when attempting to restore the primary thrusters that had been inactive for over two decades. These thrusters are vital for adjusting the spacecraft's orientation, ensuring that Voyager 1's antenna remains pointed towards Earth for communication [source]. However, activating these thrusters involved a risky procedure. If not executed flawlessly, there was a real danger of the spacecraft veering off course, which would automatically trigger a sequence that could result in an explosion [source]. This precarious operation required precise long‑distance communication and exceptional problem‑solving skills from NASA's team.

The urgency of repairing Voyager 1's thrusters is accentuated by the ongoing upgrades to the Deep Space Station 43 antenna, a crucial link for communication with the spacecraft. This facility will be offline until 2026, necessitating immediate attention to ensure Voyager 1 can maintain its mission in interstellar space despite the loss of its backup thrusters due to degradation [source]. The engineering team had to implement a sophisticated workaround, creatively reviving the long‑dormant thrusters to keep the spacecraft functional and communicative. Their successful initiative not only exemplifies exemplary engineering but also highlights the inherent risks of working with aging technology far beyond its initial operational timeframe.

In addition to the communication hurdles and technical challenges, the broader context of Voyager 1's repair illustrates the increasing difficulties associated with aging spacecraft. As components like thrusters degrade, the stakes of maintaining system integrity rise sharply. The engineering team had to ensure that the reactivation of these thrusters did not inadvertently trigger malfunctions or compromise the spacecraft's trajectory [source]. This repair effort underscores the need for robust long‑term planning in space missions, where extreme distances and time delays in communication add layers of complexity to even the most routine tasks. Such repairs, while risky, are essential for prolonging the valuable scientific contributions of a mission like Voyager 1's.

Voyager 1 is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, being one of the most distant human‑made objects exploring interstellar space. Launched in 1977, it has traveled over 15 billion miles from Earth, and continues to send invaluable data back to our planet. Recently, NASA engineers accomplished a phenomenal feat by reviving Voyager 1's primary thrusters, which had been inactive for more than two decades. This maneuver was necessary because the backup thrusters, used since 2004, were deteriorating, threatening the spacecraft's ability to maintain communication via its Earth‑pointing antenna. Without this vital communication line, our capacity to receive data from the far reaches of space would be severed. The successful reactivation of these thrusters ensures that Voyager 1 can continue its mission of exploring the unknown realms of interstellar space .

The position of Voyager 1 in interstellar space marks it as a pioneering sentinel, as it navigates beyond our solar system's protective heliosphere. Its journey provides scientists with a unique opportunity to gather data on cosmic rays, magnetic fields, and solar winds that have never before been analyzed from such a vantage point. Although communication is challenged by the vast distance, the meticulous restoration of its thrusters is a pivotal achievement. It not only stabilizes the spacecraft's orientation to ensure that its communications apparatus remains aimed at Earth, but it also reaffirms the viability of long‑term space missions .

Thruster issues on Voyager 1 have historically posed a significant hurdle; when the primary thrusters ceased operation in 2004 following a failure in the heater circuits that kept the hydrazine fuel viable, the probe switched to using backup thrusters. These, however, have degraded over time, risking Voyager 1's orientation and hence, its communication with Earth. The intricate operation to reactivate the primary thrusters required engineers to overcome the formidable challenge of executing a precise and potentially risky procedure remotely. This successful endeavor exhibits not only an impressive application of technical expertise but also the resilient spirit of space exploration .

Voyager 1's ongoing mission in interstellar space underscores the significance of its scientific contributions. It has been vital in offering insights into a realm far beyond the comfortable familiarity of our solar system. Although its instruments are gradually shutting down and its power supply dwindles, each piece of data transmitted back enriches our understanding of the universe. This knowledge could influence future interstellar missions, ensuring that humanity continues to push the boundaries of what is conceivable. While there are limitations to its longevity, Voyager 1's endurance continues to inspire both awe and a sense of curiosity about the outer frontiers of space .

The mission exemplifies a collaboration of technology and tenacity, as demonstrated by the NASA team's innovative problem‑solving approach when faced with daunting challenges from millions of miles away. The primary thrusters' revival stands as a significant milestone, exemplifying not only the potential to extend spacecraft missions but also the enduring promise of space exploration. The operation, fraught with risks including the chance of triggering an onboard explosion, highlighted the technological prowess and calculated strategies required to ensure the thrusters' successful reactivation. This achievement not only secures continued communication capabilities with Voyager 1 but also serves as a beacon of hope for future space ventures .

Voyager 1's thrusters were an integral component of its ambitious interstellar mission, designed to help the spacecraft maintain accurate orientation for communication with Earth. These thrusters, however, went dormant nearly two decades ago due to the failure of two heater circuits that were vital for warming the hydrazine fuel used by the primary roll thrusters. Consequently, in 2004, NASA switched to backup thrusters, which were initially only meant to provide temporary relief .

The use of backup thrusters, while effective for temporary needs, posed its own set of challenges. Over time, these secondary thrusters began to degrade, compromising Voyager 1's ability to keep its antenna precisely pointed towards Earth. This was a serious concern for NASA scientists, as uninterrupted communication is crucial for the continuation of Voyager 1's mission in exploring interstellar space .

In addition to technical complexities, the geopolitical and technical landscape also posed various challenges. With the Deep Space Station 43 antenna undergoing necessary upgrades, maintaining contact with Voyager 1 was becoming increasingly difficult. The looming prospect of a communications blackout spurred the urgency to find a viable solution, leading NASA engineers to revisit the possibility of reviving the primary thrusters .

The decision to attempt the reactivation was fraught with risk. If the heaters were not functional post‑activation, any misfire could have sent Voyager 1 off its intended path, possibly triggering a sequence that might result in a catastrophic spacecraft failure. However, driven by the necessity of sustaining Voyager 1's scientific mission, the team devised a potential solution to breathe new life into the aging probe's thrusters .

Thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of NASA's team, the revival of Voyager 1's thrusters ensured the spacecraft's continued ability to communicate with Earth, preserving its capacity to collect and transmit critical data from the edge of the solar system and beyond. This triumph not only highlighted the skill of the NASA engineers but also rekindled international interest and collaboration in space exploration efforts .

The Voyager 1 mission exemplifies the intricate balance of communication and technological challenges that space exploration often encounters. This aging spacecraft, now more than 15 billion miles from Earth, relies heavily on its thrusters to maintain orientation and communication with Earth. The spacecraft's survival and continued operation in interstellar space are contingent upon these systems functioning flawlessly despite their decades of use. The recent successful reactivation of Voyager 1's primary thrusters, dormant since 2004, underscores the critical role of ingenuity in overcoming technological hurdles. NASA's engineers, acknowledging the potential explosions and complex telemetry involved, have demonstrated extraordinary expertise and resilience in tackling these obstacles. The risk‑laden procedure was essential for ensuring that its antenna remains accurately pointed towards Earth, enabling the transmission of invaluable scientific data across the solar system. This achievement not only revives an iconic spacecraft but also symbolizes the enduring capability of human innovation in the face of daunting space challenges. Learn more about this impressive feat here.

In addition to mechanical repairs, Voyager 1's success underscores a significant communication challenge. As Voyager 1 travels further from Earth, the Deep Space Station 43 antenna – a crucial communication tool between Voyager and Earth – is undergoing much‑needed upgrades, rendering it temporarily offline until 2026. The dependence on this single communication line further complicates the mission given Voyager's extreme remoteness and the time‑sensitive nature of data exchange over such vast distances. Engineers must work within these communication limitations to ensure continuous data flow and adjust operational parameters accordingly. Compounding this, remote repairs of the spacecraft involve lengthy commands and anticipate potential communication blackouts or glitches, as evidenced by past transmitter issues. The situation demands constant vigilance and real‑time problem‑solving to avoid disrupting the flow of data crucial for scientific discovery. Learn more about the communication intricacies here.

Deep Space Station 43 (DSS‑43) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the vital connection with not just Voyager 1, but a myriad of deep space missions that require reliable communication over billions of miles. Located in Canberra, Australia, DSS‑43 is part of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a key technological system that ensures commands and data continue to flow between Earth and distant spacecraft. As highlighted by the recent Voyager 1 mission updates, DSS‑43's capacity to send and receive signals across the vastness of space is invaluable for overcoming the challenges presented by such extraordinary distances [1](https://www.livescience.com/space/yet‑another‑miracle‑save‑nasa‑engineers‑complete‑nail‑biting‑maneuver‑to‑resurrect‑voyager‑1s‑long‑dead‑thrusters).

The ongoing upgrades to Deep Space Station 43 demonstrate how technological advancements can support and extend the lifespan of older space missions. By enhancing its performance capabilities, DSS‑43 aims to continue its mission‑critical role in deep space exploration even as projects like Voyager 1 evolve and adapt to new challenges. Despite being offline until February 2026, these improvements will ensure future readiness to handle more sophisticated communication tasks critical for both current and forthcoming interstellar missions [1](https://www.livescience.com/space/yet‑another‑miracle‑save‑nasa‑engineers‑complete‑nail‑biting‑maneuver‑to‑resurrect‑voyager‑1s‑long‑dead‑thrusters).

The significance of DSS‑43 extends beyond its hardware; it serves as a testament to global cooperation in space exploration. As a part of an international network, the station collaborates with other DSN sites around the world, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving interstellar research. This partnership is crucial, especially as we venture deeper into space, requiring more advanced communication techniques and infrastructure that no single nation can achieve alone. Such efforts not only bolster scientific exploration but enhance international relations and understanding among participating countries [1](https://www.livescience.com/space/yet‑another‑miracle‑save‑nasa‑engineers‑complete‑nail‑biting‑maneuver‑to‑resurrect‑voyager‑1s‑long‑dead‑thrusters).

Bringing the primary thrusters of Voyager 1 back to life was a complex yet meticulously planned procedure. NASA engineers, faced with the daunting task of reactivating components that had lain dormant for 20 years, approached the problem with a blend of innovative thinking and cautious execution. Communication with spacecraft, more than 15 billion miles away, required precise timing and coordination due to the significant delay in signal travel time. Engineers did not have the luxury of trial and error; each step in reactivating the thrusters needed to be precise and calculated, minimizing any risk of failure. This also involved creative problem‑solving to bypass dormant circuits and safely reintroduce hydrazine fuel into the thrusters, factors critical for the mission's success .

At the heart of this nail‑biting maneuver was the need to ensure that Voyager 1 could continue to maintain its orientation towards Earth. The primary thrusters are vital for controlling the spacecraft's position, essentially ensuring that its communication systems remain operational. Voyager 1 uses its thrusters to keep its antenna directed towards our planet, a task it has been performing since launching in 1977. As the backup thrusters began to degrade, the urgency to repair and reactivate the primary thrusters increased. This process required not only addressing technical challenges but also mitigating risks, such as avoiding the accidental triggering of an automatic safety sequence, which could result in catastrophic failures. Thus, the procedure was as much about risk management as it was about technological acumen .

Faced with the potential challenges of a failed thruster activation, NASA's engineers were acutely aware of the odds and stakes. A deviation from plan, especially at this distance, could lead to disastrous results, including a possible explosion. Yet, showing remarkable engineering prowess, the team implemented a plan that blended innovation with time‑tested engineering principles. This involved reprogramming and executing a complex series of commands to wake the thrusters safely and effectively. Each command sent to Voyager 1 represented not just a direction but an intricate set of procedures that aligned with hundreds of variables and potential contingencies. This success wasn't just a triumph of technical skill; it was a significant victory for creativity and strategic foresight in tackling unprecedented space challenges .

The successful reactivation of Voyager 1's thrusters ensured that the spacecraft remains at the forefront of space exploration, continuing its mission in interstellar space. This accomplishment extends its operational life and guarantees the flow of valuable data from beyond our solar system, data crucial for understanding the universe. By successfully restoring the primary thrusters, which had been non‑functional since 2004, NASA not only extended the mission's scientific yield but also showcased a robust example of human perseverance and innovative spirit in the field of space exploration. This serves as an inspiration for future missions, proving that even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with dedication and clever engineering solutions .

The announcement of Voyager 1's thruster revival was met with astonishment and admiration from both the scientific community and the general public. Many space enthusiasts and experts alike hailed the event as an "engineering marvel," recognizing the sheer complexity behind reactivating systems that had lain dormant for over two decades. This unexpected triumph was particularly poignant given the inherent risks; the procedure faced a high likelihood of failure that could have resulted in catastrophic consequences for the spacecraft. NASA engineers' successful maneuver thus not only highlighted their technical prowess but also boosted morale among those invested in deep space exploration.

In the scientific field, the achievement was seen as a testament to the robustness and longevity of engineering practices from the 1970s, which continue to support scientific inquiry today. Propulsion lead Todd Barber referred to the mission as a "miracle save," emphasizing the improbability yet immense significance of the success. For experts like Todd, the revival is more than just a fix; it's a new lease on life for a spacecraft that has provided decades of invaluable data on our solar system and beyond. This victory was also a moment of nostalgic reflection, serving as a reminder of humanity's persistent reach for the stars despite the passage of time. JPL's statement underscored this sentiment, anticipating that such feats might encourage a reevaluation of current spacecraft design priorities with an eye toward longevity and resiliency.

Public reaction mirrored expert sentiments, brimming with excitement and a renewed sense of admiration for NASA’s commitment to exploration. Social media buzzed with discussions celebrating the ingenuity and dedication of the engineering teams, and the story dominated headlines as a classic "against all odds" narrative that captivated audiences worldwide. This broader involvement cultivated a deeper public interest in STEM fields, fostering a generation inspired by Voyager's legacy and NASA's inventive problem‑solving. Such achievements underscore the impact of governmental investment in space research and highlight the return of such investments not just in technological advancements, but also in public inspiration and education. OpenTools coverage on the event shared quotes from young enthusiasts hopeful about future space endeavors.

The revival of Voyager 1's thrusters, which had been dormant for over two decades, underscores a watershed moment in space exploration. This achievement not only extends the operational life of Voyager 1 but also provides a blueprint for future missions, emphasizing the necessity of robust system design capable of long‑term functionality. The mission highlights the potential for extending spacecraft lifetimes significantly beyond their original projections, stressing the importance of clever engineering solutions in overcoming unforeseen challenges that arise in extreme conditions of space.

From an economic perspective, the successes gleaned from Voyager 1's mission illustrate the long‑term cost benefits of designing spacecraft with durable components and repair capabilities. The economic implications are profound; successful repairs and extensions of mission life offer an alternative to the expensive and resource‑intensive process of launching new missions. This approach could lead to more sustainable financial models within space exploration endeavors, promoting investment in advanced technology that enhances spacecraft longevity.

Socially, the accomplishments surrounding Voyager 1 have ignited a renewed interest in space exploration, inspiring public awe and engagement around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. This event showcases how historical achievements in space can foster increased support for science and technology initiatives, potentially drawing new generations into careers that will push the boundaries of human knowledge further. The wide media coverage and public discourse following the successful maneuver demonstrate the power of such missions to capture and inspire human imagination.

In terms of political implications, the cooperative effort in maintaining communication networks like the Deep Space Network demonstrates international collaboration as a cornerstone for future space exploration. The Voyager 1 mission's success, achieved through global cooperation, sets a precedent for future international partnerships in space. By pooling resources and knowledge, nations can achieve far more collaboratively than they can alone, and continue to strengthen diplomatic ties through shared successes in the expansive realm of space.

Technological advancements stemming from the Voyager 1's triumphant thruster revival are likely to pave the way for innovations in mission design and execution. Future spacecraft could be equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and automated repair systems, improving their resilience to the unpredictability of space. Emphasizing redundancy and flexibility in mission design will not only prepare future missions for potential failures but also ensure that spacecraft can adapt and continue to fulfill their missions despite significant obstacles. Such innovations underscore the commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is technologically achievable in space.

The reactivation of Voyager 1's thrusters serves as a profound demonstration of cost‑effectiveness in space technology. By bringing dormant systems back online, NASA has avoided the considerable expense of launching a replacement craft, showcasing the economic prudence of designing spacecraft with long‑lasting build quality and repairable components. This success story emphasizes the value of maintenance capability in extending mission lifespans, reflecting significant cost savings by maintaining the existing infrastructure rather than incurring the massive expense of new launches. Such innovative practices not only reinforce the economic value but also provide continued data collection from Voyager 1, preserving its mission deliverables without additional costs [6](https://www.livescience.com/space/yet‑another‑miracle‑save‑nasa‑engineers‑complete‑nail‑biting‑maneuver‑to‑resurrect‑voyager‑1s‑long‑dead‑thrusters).

Moreover, the achievement has several economic implications beyond the immediate cost savings. Reinvigorating such a long‑standing mission encourages future investments in robust spacecraft design intended for longevity and remote operability. These developments can influence broader funding decisions in space exploration, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in long‑duration missions. As other space missions take note of Voyager 1’s successes, we may see a shift in focus towards spacecraft systems that allow for similar in‑mission repairs, potentially reducing costs and extending operational lifespans [2](https://www.opentools.ai/news/voyager‑1‑rising‑like‑a‑phoenix‑with‑revived‑thrusters).

The repair of Voyager 1 not only conveys the ingenuity of current space engineering but also supports an ongoing trend towards economic efficiency in space endeavors. This milestone may set a precedent where space agencies prioritize technologies that enable the longevity of missions. By reducing the need for frequent replacements and instead investing in enduring solutions, agencies like NASA continue to push boundaries in sustainable space exploration, ensuring that such historic missions can continue delivering valuable insights at minimal additional costs. This economic foresight assures taxpayers and funding bodies alike that investments into space exploration continue to yield great returns in scientific knowledge and innovation [3](https://www.space.com/space‑exploration/missions/nasa‑resurrects‑voyager‑1‑interstellar‑spacecrafts‑thrusters‑after‑20‑years‑these‑thrusters‑were‑considered‑dead).

The revival of Voyager 1's thrusters serves as a powerful example of how social influence can significantly impact public interest in science and space exploration. The news of NASA's engineers successfully completing a nail‑biting maneuver to resurrect Voyager 1's long‑dormant thrusters has generated widespread public fascination. The remarkable feat of bringing back to life technology that had been inoperative for over two decades serves as a testament to the human spirit of ingenuity and perseverance, . Such achievements not only capture the public imagination but also spark curiosity and excitement about the potential of space missions, renewing interest in the cosmos and the possibilities that lie beyond our own planet.

The public's reaction to the reactivation of Voyager 1's thrusters underscores the significant role of social influence in shaping public interest in scientific projects. Described as an "engineering marvel" and a "miracle save," the successful repair has been celebrated across various media platforms, bringing together enthusiasts and casual observers who are awed by the engineering prowess displayed by NASA . This renewed interest could lead to increased public support and funding for future space exploration endeavors, as people become more invested in human achievements in outer space. Public enthusiasm might also drive policy changes, encouraging governments to prioritize space exploration and technological innovation.

Social influence does not operate in isolation; rather, it interlinks with technology, economy, and policy outcomes, creating a feedback loop that fosters further advancements in space exploration. The story of Voyager 1 not only highlights NASA's technical capabilities but also demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts and public engagement. The positive narrative surrounding the thruster revival contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of STEM education, as it inspires a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics . In this way, the mission serves as a catalyst for societal growth and development, illustrating how public interest, fueled by successful feats, can drive progress forward.

As Voyager 1 continues its journey in interstellar space, the social influence and public interest surrounding this mission remain robust. The historical significance of Voyager's mission, coupled with the recent technical triumph, taps into a communal human curiosity to understand the universe. The ingenuity reflected in the successful revival of its thrusters reinforces the narrative of overcoming the odds, something that resonates well with global audiences. This sense of connection and achievement may lead to increased collaboration and shared advancements in international scientific communities, reflecting the global nature of space exploration .

The successful reactivation of Voyager 1's primary thrusters is not just an engineering triumph but also a profound example of how political and international collaborations can lead to extraordinary achievements in space exploration. This event underscores the necessity for nations to pool their technological resources and expertise to tackle challenges that transcend borders. When NASA engineers revived Voyager 1's thrusters, they demonstrated the power of international cooperation through the Deep Space Network, a global system of antennas that communicates with spacecraft far beyond Earth. This network, vital for missions like Voyager 1, relies on international partners sharing infrastructure and expertise, exemplifying the mutual benefits of such collaborations. The reciprocal nature of these arrangements may inspire broader diplomatic commitments and more cohesive international strategies in space exploration, fostering peace and shared progress in space technology. For instance, the critical upgrades to the Deep Space Station 43 in Australia, part of the Network, highlight how international resources are pivotal to mission success and continuity, and may lead to stronger alliances and expanded missions in the future. This alignment of strategic interests not only advances our scientific understanding but also reinforces political bonds, potentially setting the stage for future joint ventures in exploring the final frontier.

The revival of Voyager 1's primary thrusters, which had remained dormant for over two decades, marks a remarkable achievement in engineering and science. This achievement exemplifies the innovative spirit and technical prowess of NASA's engineers, who managed to overcome the considerable challenges associated with reviving components that had been inactive for so long. By breathing new life into these thrusters, the team not only extended Voyager 1's operational period but also set a new standard for spacecraft design and maintenance. The successful reactivation ensures that Voyager 1 can continue its mission of collecting and transmitting invaluable data from the edge of our solar system, thereby deepening our understanding of the interstellar environment. The reliability and robustness demonstrated in this mission will likely inspire similar approaches in future deep‑space exploration initiatives. For more details, you can read the full story on Live Science.

This mission's unexpected success also highlights the power of persistence and innovation in overcoming adversity. The path to reactivating Voyager 1's thrusters was fraught with challenges, including the risk of potential failures that could have jeopardized the spacecraft's integrity. However, the engineering team leveraged state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics and remote intervention techniques, demonstrating that even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be navigated with creativity and determination. This victory not only boosts confidence in existing technologies but also accelerates the development of advanced systems designed to extend the lifespan of future interstellar probes, ensuring continued exploration of uncharted realms beyond our solar system. More information about the engineering feat can be found in the original article.