Via: Axdelian Merit online
Axdelian Temru space probe reaches interstellar space
In a recent press release, the Axdelian space agency confirmed that its Temru spacecraft has sent back data indicating it has passed the heliopause and entered the interstellar medium. This places it amongst the scarce handful of objects launched from Urth to do so, as well as remaining the only craft to visit Gille and Tyetra (planets 9 & 10 respectively).
Launched in 1988 atop an Alus III rocket, the probe’s mission was to use an advantageous orbital alignment to visit five of the system’s seven outer gas giants. With instruments provided through a collaborative international effort, each encounter sent back incredible scientific measurements, telemetry, and striking images before taking advantage of their gravity and transferring to the next. After completing these objectives, its mission profile was extended to include observations of magnetic field, plasma wave and charged particle phenomena in the outer Teplar system. It’s predicted that the probe will continue generating enough power to operate key instruments and transmit data until it becomes too distant to communicate in the mid-late 2030’s.
As well as its scientific payload, the probe carries a plaque showing the location of Tep and a cache of data consisting of redundant sets of tapes and optical discs. Intended as a time capsule to be read by a future Urthen or alien civilisation, the cache contains both information on Urths properties and a diverse record of its life, history and culture. The record is prefaced with a selection of good willing messages from the people of Axdel, many directing hopeful messages towards a future spacefaring Urth peacefully united by socialism.