To extend the Voyager probes' lifespans, NASA has turned off the Cosmic Ray Subsystem (CRS) instrument on Voyager 2. While the CRS has been crucial in studying the heliosphere and interstellar space, this power-saving measure is necessary to keep both Voyager 1 and 2 operating. Further power reductions are planned in the coming years as the probes' radioactive power sources continue to decay, with the goal of maintaining communication with Earth for as long as possible. Voyager 1's CRS was deactivated in 2022.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a new battery-free technology that can power devices using ambient radio frequency (RF) signals like Wi-Fi and cellular transmissions. This system utilizes a compact antenna and an innovative matching network to efficiently harvest RF energy and convert it to usable direct current power, capable of powering small electronics and sensors. This breakthrough has the potential to eliminate the need for batteries in various Internet of Things (IoT) devices, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste.
Hacker News commenters discuss the potential and limitations of the battery-free technology. Some express skepticism about the practicality of powering larger devices, highlighting the low power output and the dependence on strong ambient RF signals. Others are more optimistic, suggesting niche applications like sensors and IoT devices, especially in environments with consistent RF sources. The discussion also touches on the security implications of devices relying on potentially manipulable RF signals, as well as the possibility of interference with existing radio communication. Several users question the novelty of the technology, pointing to existing energy harvesting techniques. Finally, some commenters raise concerns about the accuracy and hype often surrounding university press releases on scientific breakthroughs.
The author experienced system hangs on wake-up with their AMD GPU on Linux. They traced the issue to the AMDGPU driver's handling of the PCIe link and power states during suspend and resume. Specifically, the driver was prematurely powering off the GPU before the system had fully suspended, leading to a deadlock. By patching the driver to ensure the GPU remained powered on until the system was fully asleep, and then properly re-initializing it upon waking, they resolved the hanging issue. This fix has since been incorporated upstream into the official Linux kernel.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the author's work in debugging and fixing the AMD GPU sleep/wake hang issue. Several expressed having experienced this frustrating problem themselves, highlighting the real-world impact of the fix. Some discussed the complexities of debugging kernel issues and driver interactions, commending the author's persistence and systematic approach. A few commenters also inquired about specific configurations and potential remaining edge cases, while others offered additional technical insights and potential avenues for further improvement or investigation, such as exploring runtime power management. The overall sentiment reflects appreciation for the author's contribution to improving the Linux AMD GPU experience.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43282594
HN commenters express a mix of awe and sadness at the continued power-down of the Voyager probes. Several reflect on the incredible longevity and distance of the mission, marveling at the ingenuity of the engineers who designed them. Some commenters discuss the technical aspects of the power reduction, including the use of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and the diminishing power output over time. Others lament the eventual loss of contact, viewing it as a symbolic end of an era. A few suggest potential solutions, albeit highly speculative ones, like laser-based power beaming to extend the probes' lifespans. The overall sentiment is one of respect for the Voyager mission and its contributions to scientific understanding.
The Hacker News post "NASA Shuts Off Voyager Science Instrument" has generated a significant number of comments discussing various aspects of the Voyager missions and the recent power-saving measures.
Several commenters express a sense of awe and nostalgia for the Voyager probes, highlighting their remarkable longevity and the incredible distances they have traveled. One commenter describes them as "arguably humanity's greatest achievement," while another reflects on the historical context of their launch, noting the technological limitations of the 1970s and marveling at the probes' continued operation.
A recurring theme in the comments is the ingenuity and resilience of the engineers who designed and maintain the Voyager probes. Commenters praise their foresight in designing systems capable of lasting far beyond their initial mission parameters and their ongoing efforts to extend the probes' operational lifespan through creative power management strategies. One commenter points out the clever use of plutonium-238 for power generation, while another discusses the challenges of communicating with the probes over vast interstellar distances.
Some comments delve into the technical details of the power-saving measures, explaining the trade-offs involved in shutting down specific instruments. Commenters discuss the scientific value of the data still being collected and the difficult decisions NASA engineers face in prioritizing which instruments to keep active. One commenter notes the decreasing power output of the radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and the inevitable decline in data transmission rates.
Several commenters express hope that the Voyagers will continue to operate for as long as possible, even if at reduced capacity. Some speculate about the possibility of future interstellar missions building upon the Voyagers' legacy. One commenter raises the philosophical question of what will become of the probes far into the future, envisioning them as silent ambassadors of humanity drifting through the cosmos.
There's also discussion about the symbolic importance of the Voyager probes. Commenters describe them as a testament to human curiosity and our desire to explore the unknown. The Golden Record carried by each probe is mentioned, with commenters reflecting on its significance as a message to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.
Finally, some commenters offer practical suggestions for extending the Voyagers' lifespan, such as exploring alternative power sources or developing more efficient communication methods. One commenter even proposes a crowdfunding campaign to support further Voyager research.