From CNN: Spacecraft reaches edge of solar system

[retro]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/11/0 ... index.html

[Airconvent]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/11/0 ... index.html

Hi Retro,
This article should appear in my space.com avantgo channel but on my pc, its still a good read...its truly amazing that a man-made object has travelled so far and lasted so long (supposed to be a 4 year mission). I only hope the thermo-couple would hold out till she reaches the heliosphere and that I am still around then to read about it! Of course, i think the systems would have failed long before it reaches the Oort cloud which lies far beyond the heiosphere.


I don't think Nasa will ever build such a hardy probe ever and even if they did, we will not live long enough to see it hit the heliosphere! Also, the Voyagers took advantage of a rare planetary alignment to make use of most of the planets' gravity (Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) to accelerate to a high speed, allowing it to catch up with Pioneer even though Pioneer was so many years ahead.

rich