NASA’s Decision to Shut Down Scientific Instruments of Voyager 1 and Voyager 2
NASA’s Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, launched in 1977, made history as the farthest human-made objects exploring space and advancing toward interstellar space. These probes were initially equipped with 10 scientific instruments each. However, due to a 4% annual decrease in energy production from plutonium, some instruments started to be shut down for power conservation purposes. On February 25, the cosmic ray subsystem of Voyager 1 was turned off, and Voyager 2’s low-energy charged particle detector will be shut down on March 24. This decision was made to extend the lifespan of both probes and allow them to continue their important scientific missions.
Both probes became the first spacecraft to cross the boundary of the solar system and enter interstellar space. NASA expects the probes to continue gathering data with at least one scientific instrument into the 2030s. During this period, devices like plasma waves and magnetometers will remain active, providing data about the interstellar medium. The Voyager missions are considered a major engineering achievement for humanity and the beginning of a new era in space exploration.
Athena Spacecraft Topples Over, Fails to Complete Mission
The U.S.-based private space company Intuitive Machines developed the “Athena” spacecraft to explore the dark craters of the Moon’s south pole. Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Athena successfully landed on the Moon as planned. However, uncertainty remained about whether it landed upright or on its side. Today, it was confirmed that the spacecraft missed its intended landing site by 250 meters, toppled over, and became inoperable. Despite being stranded in an icy crater, Athena managed to conduct some experiments and capture location-confirming images before losing signal.
This failure marks the second similar issue in Intuitive Machines’ lunar missions. In 2024, the company’s “Odysseus” spacecraft also landed on its side. Meanwhile, other private companies continue to achieve success in lunar exploration. Firefly Aerospace’s “Blue Ghost” spacecraft, designed to measure surface temperature and collect dust, successfully landed on the Moon on March 2. Athena’s failure highlights the risks of private-sector space exploration while providing valuable lessons for future missions.
Turkish Doctor Begüm Aydoğan Mathyk to Investigate Women Astronauts’ Health in Space
Begüm Aydoğan Mathyk, a Turkish doctor and Assistant Research Fellow in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida is preparing for a mission to space to investigate women’s health. Mathyk will participate in a Virgin Galactic mission in 2026, which will include an all-female astronaut crew. During this flight, Mathyk will research the health of female astronauts. Having received space medicine training at NASA and contributed to significant work in this field, Mathyk tested the applicability of ultrasound in a weightless environment to gather crucial data on women’s health. Additionally, she has researched the effects of space travel on women’s hormonal health, reproductive health, and cancer, publishing comprehensive studies in the field.
Mathyk points out that protecting the health of women astronauts is critical for long-duration space missions, such as those to Mars and the Moon. She also notes the lack of sufficient research on women’s health in space and is committed to providing scientific contributions to fill this gap. Mathyk believes that Turkish scientists should contribute more to space research and is ready to play her part in the Virgin Galactic mission. She is confident that Turkey’s strategic steps in space will strengthen its position in future space projects.
This Week’s Art Corner: Jurassic World: Rebirth
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” is a highly anticipated film set to be released on July 4, 2025. Written by David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park, this new film takes place five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion and tells the story of a time when the Earth’s ecological balance is no longer suitable for dinosaurs. The remaining dinosaurs struggle to survive in isolated tropical biospheres, while giant creatures carry the key to a life-saving miracle for humanity. Featuring stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, this film promises not only action and suspense but also focuses on the miracles nature offers to humanity. Jurassic World: Rebirth is expected to open a new chapter and take us on another thrilling journey.
Jurassic World: Rebirth – First Trailer (2025)
