Voyager Probes Celebrate 30 Years

Some time back, I don't remember how long ago, NASA was contemplating a termination of this program just as the data returning was getting interesting. I recall a report suggesting that the Voyagers were mysteriously slowing down as they approached the edge of the solar system; at that time, no one reported a theoretical explanation for this apparent phenomenon. Any new information about the status of the NASA program, or an explanation for the slowing effect?

A big share of this unprecedented success is coming from the marvel of a gyro from Teledyne Sytems that is on board and securing the orientation of the spaceprobe:

A dry tuned gyro suspending the rotor in a triple two-axis angularly compliant flexure hinge that allowed to eliminate most of prior known errors.

And a shaft suspended in ballbearings with a permanent lubrication system designed to recirculate the oil with a rate of near 10 to 100 microgram per day so within the 30 years since the start only 100 milligramm to 1 gramm has been pumped through the bearing allowing the almost indefinite life.

And many other significant achievements that made possible the very accurate aiming of the antenna towards earth so that with very limited antenna power of only 80W a communication over this incredible distance is possible.

The unknown reasons that may be responsible for the unexplained slowing down is very likely caused by the shock front that forms when the solar ionic wind hits the interstellar very diluted gas. Inside this shock-front the voyager is now traveling.

RHABE

Thanks for your explanation. Many years ago, I was involved with fiber gyros- no moving parts. I used to throw a bobbin on the floor, then show it still worked as a gyro...No lubrication needed. Electronic dithering instead of mechanical, a la the ring laser.