Redesigning Voyager in 2017: Updated Technologies and Competencies

The Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, were designed for their 'Grand Tour' mission, making use of gravitational slingshot maneuvers to explore Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. While these planets aligned in such a way as to make this possible, a significant question might be: if we were to redesign Voyager in 2017, what advanced technologies and competencies would it possess?

Camera Technology: From Vidicon to CCD

The primary visual instrument on the original Voyager mission used Vidicon technology. By 2017, however, Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) technology had advanced significantly. CCD cameras are clearly superior to Vidicons for space missions due to several key advantages:

High sensitivity: CCDs can capture images more accurately. High contrast: CCDs can handle a wider range of light intensities. Easy compression: Images from CCDs are more efficiently compressed for data transmission. Purely digital: CCDs produce digital images, making processing and transmission more straightforward.

Given the vast improvements in CCD technology, any modern redesign of Voyager would undoubtedly include CCD-based cameras. This would significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of the scientific data collected during a space mission.

Computer and Decision-Making Technologies

The computational and decision-making capabilities of the Voyager spacecraft were limited by the technology of the time. By 2017, these systems had undoubtedly advanced. Today, the spacecraft would likely feature more sophisticated onboard computers capable of:

Automated navigation and course correction. Advanced payload management. Real-time processing and analysis of data. Autonomous decision-making in response to unexpected events.

The implementation of these advanced systems would require a redesign of the spacecraft's power and communication systems. Even with the advancements in CCD and computer technology, it is important to note that the orbits of planets and moons are still not known with the sufficient accuracy to fully automate spacecraft operations. However, the capabilities that would be available by 2017 would still vastly improve the mission's efficiency and scientific output.

Power Generation and Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs)

The power systems used by the Voyager spacecraft were based on Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs). While the core technology behind RTGs has not seen significant advancements, there are some implications to consider:

Increased power requirements: Advanced technologies, such as higher-sensitivity cameras and more powerful computing systems, would likely require more power. More RTGs: To meet the increased power demands, additional RTGs would need to be included. Maintenance: The number and complexity of systems would increase, potentially requiring more routine maintenance by the ground team.

Despite this, the fundamental design of the RTG power system would remain similar. The more significant change would be in the spacecraft's overall power management and the inclusion of more advanced systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if we were to redesign the Voyager spacecraft for a similar mission in 2017, significant advancements in camera technology, computer capabilities, and power systems would be incorporated. While the core power generation system using RTGs would remain similar, the inclusion of advanced CCD cameras and more sophisticated onboard computers would greatly enhance the mission's scientific capabilities and operational efficiency.