Voyager satellite. Illustration of a Voyager or Voyagerlike astronomical satellite with the Milky Way in the background as it explores deep space. The satellite has a round communication antenna and polelike booms which support astronomical instruments. The Voyager programme consisted of two satellites which were intended to study the outer areas of the solar system. Both satellites successfully produced detailed images of the outer planets and their moons. They also took measure ments of the strength of the planets magnetic fields, as well as that of the Sun. In 1997 the satellites continue to take measurements as they pass out of the solar system into deep space.