The International Sun-Earth Explorer was launched in 1978 but has been out of service since 1997. Until now.
On Thursday, ISEE-3 woke up and is now sending telemetry back to earth after a group of space buffs used crowdfunding to contact the satellite from a radio-telescope in Puerto Rico.
"We knew we could do this. It's a vindication," group co-director Keith Cowing told Science.
"It's sort of like reaching back in time to grab something that otherwise would have been lost," he continued.
More popular and trending stories
Members of the Reboot Project say they will check out the craft's scientific equipment and then initiate a burn with its fuel left on board.
Their goal is to move the satellite into an orbit that will allow the group to conduct further research.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
