NASA is attempting a daring power-saving maneuver to extend the life of the twin Voyager spacecraft, now operating more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 completed their planetary 'Grand Tour' and became the first human-made objects to enter interstellar space—Voyager 1 in 2012 and Voyager 2 in 2018. Despite their age, both probes continue to transmit valuable data about the uncharted region beyond our solar system.

The challenge now is power. The spacecraft rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators that convert heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. Originally producing about 470 watts, they now lose roughly 4 watts per year. With power dwindling, NASA has already shut down non-essential instruments, including Voyager 1’s Low-Energy Charged Particles instrument in April 2026, after 49 years of operation.

To stretch the mission further, engineers devised a plan nicknamed the 'Big Bang': turning off three old fuel-line heaters and activating more efficient replacements that use nearly 10 watts less power. This risky switch will be tested first on Voyager 2 in May–June 2026, with Voyager 1 to follow if successful. A single command takes 23 hours to reach either spacecraft, making every decision high-stakes.