What is Voyager 2 Spacecraft?

About Voyager 2 Spacecraft:

 

• It is a space probe launched by NASA on August 20, 1977.
• It is part of the Voyager program, which alsoincludes Voyager 1.
• Primary mission: To study the outer planets of our solar system and their moons, and then continue on an interstellar mission.
• It is the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space.  On Dec. 10, 2018, the spacecraft joined its twin—Voyager 1—as the only human-made objects to enter the space between the stars.
• It carries a Golden Record, a phonograph record containing sounds and images from Earth, intended to be a message to any potential extraterrestrial civilizations it might encounter in the future.
• Firsts:
  • It is the only spacecraft to study all four of the solar system's giant planets at close range.
  • It discovered a 14th moon at Jupiter.
  • It was the first human-made object to fly past Uranus.
  • At Uranus, Voyager 2 discovered 10 new moons and two new rings.
  • It was the first human-made object to fly by Neptune.
  • At Neptune, Voyager 2 discovered five moons, four rings, and a "Great Dark Spot."

 

What is the Interstellar Space?

• Interstellar space, also known as interstellar medium or interstellar void, is the vast expanse of space that exists between stars in a galaxy.
• It is the region of space beyond the influence of any individual star's gravity and magnetic fields.
• It is primarily composed of very low-density gas, dust, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields.

 

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Q1) What is an Antenna?

An antenna is a device used to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves, particularly in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. It is a crucial component of various communication systems, including radio, television, cellular phones, satellite communications, Wi-Fi, and many other wireless technologies. The main function of an antenna is to convert electrical signals into electromagnetic waves (for transmission) or vice versa (for reception).

Source: Voyager 2, travelling in interstellar space, loses ground communication. But NASA says…