In his talk, Paul Money examines how Michael Minovitch's calculations for gravitational slingshots, developed at a time when it was difficult for anybody to even launch a satellite, let alone explore the solar system, led to the development of Voyager.

He also describes the numerous errors that occurred prior to, during, and after launch as well as what transpired while they were in flight, with gremlins apparently determined to cripple both travellers.

Nevertheless, Voyager is the longest-running functioning spacecraft ever launched and a great success.

Come along to our meeting room or watch online via Eventbright streaming service 

About the speaker: Paul Money

I am an English Amateur Astronomer who has had a love for the night sky since I was 'knee-high to a grasshopper' (or so the saying goes!). As far back as I can recall I used to look up at the night sky and just gaze in wonderment at all the twinkling points of light without really understanding or even wanting to understand what they actually were. That would come later as I began to read any 'space' related book or magazine I found either at home or at school. I can just about remember the days of Apollo and for most of my early years, the interest was more in becoming an Astronaut rather than exploring the Universe with a Telescope. Link to Paul's website.