Such as “dialogue” with a space probe that is millions of kilometers from Earth? Obviously using the antennas of the Deep Space Network (DSN) of the NASA ! But these components also need maintenance and updates and so contacting Voyager 2 has become a bit more complicated in recent months.

Voyager 2 and the fundamental antenna of Canberra

The pandemic has complicated maintenance and replacement of the various components of the antenna by ben 70 meters located in Canberra (Australia). Now, according to NASA , we should be close to their conclusion.

The new antenna systems include two new radio transmitters (one of those present has been in business for over 47 years). Changes and updates were then made to the air conditioning systems, power supply sections and other accessory systems.

As written by the space agency “the only radio antenna capable of controlling the spacecraft that it has 43 years has been offline since March as it has received new hardware, but the work is on track to finish in February “.

Although the works are still in progress, however, we wanted to send commands to Voyager 2 after the last ones were sent in mid-March 2020. Both the sending and receiving of the response by the probe were successful allowing it to take a step forward to establish stable connectivity again. In particular, the receipt of messages by the probe was still possible using other systems (three antennas from 34 meters that are always found in Canberra), but not their dispatch.

DSS updates 43 will be needed also for other missions

The Canberra antenna is classified as Deep Space Station 43 and its role is fundamental for such distant missions. As written above, in the case of Voyager 2 it is also the only one capable of sending messages in his direction and with the right power.

After all, dialogue with Voyager 2 is not easy considering that it is well 18, 8 billion kilometers from Earth. Due to the initial trajectory, the probe is then directed south with respect to our planet and therefore it is not possible to contact it with the antennas of Madrid and Goldstone (California). For upload, communications take place in the S band while the download takes place in the X band.

The system of the DSS 43 started operating in 1972 and has undergone a number of updates throughout its history. For example, the dish of the antenna initially was 43 meters but then it was extended up to 70 current meters.

The strategic importance of the site has forced updates to allow it to continue to operate, not only for Voyager 2 . In fact DSS 43 may be useful for the Martian rover Perseverance but also for Artemis missions. For the future, it is therefore essential that this system can operate correctly for some time.