Why Was Voyager 2 Launched Before Its Twin Voyager 1?

💡 The Answer

• Voyager 2 launched on August 20, 1977, sixteen days before Voyager 1.
• Despite its later number, Voyager 2 was sent on a slower trajectory to visit gas giants.
• Voyager 1 was launched later on a faster path to reach Jupiter and Saturn earlier.
• The timing allowed Voyager 2 to use gravity assists for later ice giant encounters.
• This sequencing maximized the scientific return of the Voyager program.