Did you know: Serbian engineers have helped realize mankind's greatest achievements in space

NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, launched nearly 50 years ago, has yet to travel the distance light covers in one day. The spacecraft continues its solitary journey through interstellar space, marking another milestone in human exploration beyond Earth. According to NASA scientists, Voyager 1 will cross this threshold on November 18, 2026, reaching approximately 25.9 billion kilometers from Earth, equivalent to the distance light travels in 24 hours. This achievement underscores the vastness of space and the enduring legacy of one of humanity's most ambitious scientific endeavors. The probe was launched on September 5, 1977, with the primary mission of exploring the outer planets of the solar system. It successfully captured detailed images of Jupiter in 1979 and Saturn in 1980, providing invaluable data about these gas giants and their moons. After completing its initial planetary missions, Voyager 1 continued its trajectory beyond the solar system, eventually becoming the first human-made object to enter interstellar space in 2012. That year, it crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the sun’s influence wanes and interstellar space begins. Despite its remarkable endurance, Voyager 1 faces challenges as its power supply diminishes. The probe relies on a radioisotope thermoelectric generator powered by plutonium-238, which gradually loses efficiency over time. As a result, NASA has been progressively shutting down non-essential systems to conserve energy. Currently, only two key instruments remain operational: a magnetometer to study the magnetic environment of interstellar space and a plasma wave subsystem to detect faint electromagnetic signals. Scientists estimate that Voyager 1 will continue communicating with Earth until the early 2030s before its power becomes insufficient for further operations. The significance of Voyager 1’s journey extends beyond mere distance. Its communication with Earth takes roughly 23 hours for a signal to reach the probe and another 23 hours for a response to return. This delay highlights the immense scale of space and the limitations of current technology in transmitting information across such distances. Nevertheless, the probe continues to send back valuable data about the interstellar medium, offering insights into the composition and dynamics of the space between stars. Meanwhile, international cooperation in space exploration continues to expand. On July 17, 2026, Serbia signed the Artemis Accords, joining 69 other countries in a commitment to responsible and peaceful exploration of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. The agreement, initiated by NASA and the U.S. Department of State in 2020, outlines principles based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. Serbia’s participation reflects its growing engagement in global space initiatives, including collaboration with China on satellite development and involvement in both the Artemis program and China’s International Lunar Research Station project. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić emphasized that the accord would facilitate collaboration among Serbian scientists, companies, and institutions with one of the world’s most advanced space programs. He noted that the move symbolizes Serbia’s dedication to peaceful space exploration and adherence to international law, reinforcing diplomatic ties with the United States. Analysts suggest that Serbia’s alignment with the Artemis Accords coincides with its strategic dialogue with the U.S., highlighting its efforts to maintain balanced relations with major global powers. In a separate development, discussions on artificial intelligence and nuclear threats took place in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, involving Nobel laureates, former heads of state, and leaders of international research institutions focused on peace and AI ethics. Participants expressed concerns over the integration of AI into military systems and the potential escalation of nuclear risks amid weakened arms control agreements. They called for increased regulation of AI technologies to ensure they serve humanity rather than exacerbate global tensions. The meeting culminated in a statement advocating for disarmament, responsible technological development, and multilateral diplomacy to address emerging security challenges. Religious representatives stressed the importance of prioritizing human dignity and collective well-being over technological advancement alone. The gathering underscored the need for international cooperation in managing the dual-edged nature of modern innovations, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons.