Twin Spacecraft Launched for Interstellar Exploration
Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 Embark on Groundbreaking Mission
On Monday, September 5, 1977, and Saturday, August 20, 1977, NASA launched two twin spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, into space.
About the Voyager Program
The Voyager program is a scientific endeavor that employs two interstellar probes, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Launched in 1977, these probes were designed to capitalize on a favorable alignment of the planets.
Launch Details
Voyager 2 launched first on August 20, 1977, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Titan-Centaur rocket. Voyager 1 followed on September 5, 1977, also launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a Titan rocket.
Initial Trajectory
Although Voyager 1 launched after Voyager 2, it exited the asteroid belt earlier due to a faster trajectory. This allowed it to overtake its twin on December 17, 1977.
Voyager 1 at Jupiter
Voyager 1's first major encounter was with Jupiter. The probe performed a close flyby of the planet on March 5, 1979, providing valuable data and stunning images of its moons.
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