What a magnificent story. It's amazing to me how he he and the spacecraft are so connected. The radios go off, he works on other projects, until one day they are reunited as both reach the ends of their journey, transitioning to whatever lies beyond.
I'm saying that last part without hyperbole, which is beautiful to me.
I remember being about 5 years old in primary school and learning about & watching Voyager 1 reach Jupiter. It's incredible to think that thing has been flying through space my whole life.
A beautiful story, Ed Stone's life would make a great movie.
I remember when Voyager II reached Neptune and we watched it in science class in primary (grade) school. Different specific events, but a shared experience across a generation.
And when a Voyager crosses the heliopause in another ten or so years time, entering deep space, that'll be another new generation inspired by this incredible feat of humankind.
I'm saying that last part without hyperbole, which is beautiful to me.