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Pluto flyby mission wakes up after long sleep nearly 6 billion miles from Earth
By Ashley Strickland at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 4 min read
A groundbreaking mission that explored Pluto and distant solar system objects in unprecedented detail has awakened from its longest sleep ever and its 5.9 billion miles (9.5 billion kilometers) from Earth.NASAs New Horizons spacecraft went into a planned hibernation mode on August 7, 2025, and w...
Key takeaway NASAs New Horizons spacecraft went into a planned hibernation mode on August 7, 2025, and woke up on June 23 using commands stored on its main computer.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's connection to space exploration is often overlooked, but the city is home to a thriving community of scientists and engineers who contribute to missions like New Horizons. The spacecraft's awakening and continued exploration of the Kuiper Belt may seem like a distant concern, but the data it collects has implications for our understanding of the solar system's formation and the potential for life beyond Earth. As the city invests in its own science and technology infrastructure, initiatives like the New Horizons mission serve as a reminder of the importance of basic scientific research and its potential to drive innovation and discovery. Nashville's residents can take pride in the fact that their city is part of a broader national effort to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the mysteries of the universe. The mission's findings may also have implications for local educational institutions and research centers, which can use the data to inform their own studies and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A groundbreaking mission that explored Pluto and distant solar system objects in unprecedented detail has awakened from its longest sleep ever and its 5.9 billion miles (9.5 billion kilometers) from Earth.NASAs New Horizons spacecraft went into a planned hibernation mode on August 7, 2025, and w...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ashley Strickland at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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