NASA has shut down one of the science instruments on the Voyager 1 space probe, the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment (LECP), in an effort to extend the life of humanity's first interstellar vehicle, Voyager 1. The decision was made as power flags on the aging spacecraft, which launched in 1977 and is now the only spacecraft to operate outside the sun's heliosphere. The LECP instrument, which has been operating without interruption since Voyager 1 launched almost 49 years ago, remains operational. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, launched on separate dates from Florida in 1977 with the mission of exploring the outer solar system. Both probes also carry the famous "golden record" of greeting Earth from time and friendly Earth.