Voyager space probe missions, started by NASA in 1977 were intended to study outer planets and beyond. First targeted at Jupiter or Saturn, the missions changed as unanticipated findings were made. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 took readings of planetary atmospheres, magnetic fields, as well as their moons to add to our knowledge of the outer portion of the solar system.
One of the main aims of the Voyager missions was to explore Jupiter and Saturn. Both probes beamed priceless data like images of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s ring system. Only Voyager 2 uniquely expanded its exploration to Uranus and Neptune, unraveling the secrets of their ice giants’ moons, atmospheres, and magnetic fields, advanced planetary science in a big way.
The Voyager probes, too, had a goal to examine the interstellar medium. Armed with means of measuring solar wind, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields, the probes continued to transmit the data even after departing the heliosphere. Voyager 2 followed suit in 2018 entering interstellar space, giving unprecedented data on the space out of the solar system.
A symbolic part of Voyager missions was the Golden Record which was aimed at communicating with possible extraterrestrial life. It has earth sounds, music, and greetings; all which sheathe human culture. This artifact is a representation of humans wanting to connect to the cosmos, as we are curious and hopeful to connect with the rest of the universe beyond these planetary borders.
In sum, the Voyager missions are a good representation of human exploration of the universe. Initially intended for exploring Jupiter and Saturn they had exceeded the expectations by entering interstellar space. Such missions are a milestone in scientific exploration, still sending us data and encouraging this eternal quest in the investigation of the cosmos.
Conclusion
Voyager missions can be counted as an incredible exploration by humans, going beyond their intended purpose and becoming the first ever ambassadors of the human race to interstellar space. Their lasting legacy is in the vast amount of data collected on outer planets and interstellar mediums, which has transformed how we think about the subjects. As they travel further, they serve as metaphors of our obdurate, persistent quest for knowledge and discovery.
