NASA’s historic Voyager 2 probe has encountered an unexpected “communications pause” due to an accidental misalignment of its antenna, as revealed by the space agency.

On July 21, routine commands were transmitted from mission control, which unintentionally caused a 2-degree shift in Voyager 2’s antenna orientation, disrupting its ability to receive commands or transmit data back to Earth.

Voyager 2, launched in 1977, carries a significant “golden record” intended as a time capsule in case it encounters extraterrestrial life, USA Today reported.

The technical issue has caused a disruption in Voyager 2’s data transmission to the Deep Space Network, a network of giant radio antennas.

The ground controllers are currently unable to communicate with the probe. Nevertheless, NASA is optimistic that this glitch is only temporary.

They anticipate that when the spacecraft resets its orientation on October 15, communication lines will be reestablished between Voyager 2 and the ground control team.

Until the planned reset, NASA expects the spacecraft to continue on its intended trajectory.

Written by staff