美国国家航空航天局通过功率优化措施，为其已服役48年的旅行者2号探测器争取了至少再运行一年的时间[1]。该探测器由放射性同位素热电发电机供电，其能量每年衰减约4瓦[1]。NASA通过关闭非科学设备并采用功耗更低的替代方案，确保其仅存的3台科学仪器能够继续正常工作[1]。旅行者2号于1977年发射升空[1]，目前距离地球约142个天文单位[1]。
该探测器与地球之间的单向通讯需要约24小时才能完成[1]。旅行者2号原配10台科学仪器，现仅余3台在运[1]。其最后一次行星飞掠发生在1989年与海王星的接近[1]。NASA还计划在未来数月内对姊妹船旅行者1号采取相同的功率调整措施[1]。旅行者1号距地球约159亿英里（255亿公里），已于2012年进入星际空间，而旅行者2号则在2018年跨越这一里程碑[1]。
NASA has implemented power optimization measures to extend the operational lifetime of the Voyager 2 probe, which has been in operation for 48 years since its launch in 1977 [1]. By disabling non-scientific equipment and transitioning to lower-power alternative systems, the space agency has enabled the probe's three remaining scientific instruments to continue functioning for at least another year [1]. The spacecraft's power output decays by approximately four watts annually due to the degradation of its radioisotope thermoelectric generator [1].
Voyager 2 is currently located approximately 142 astronomical units from Earth, with signals requiring about 24 hours for one-way transmission [1]. The probe originally carried ten instruments but now operates with only three, following the degradation of its systems over decades of interplanetary travel [1]. Its last planetary encounter occurred in 1989 when it flew past Neptune [1]. Similar power adjustment procedures are planned for Voyager 1 in the coming months, which is positioned about 171 astronomical units from Earth and entered interstellar space in 2012, while Voyager 2 achieved this milestone in 2018 [1].