local
Pluto flyby mission wakes up after long sleep nearly 6 billion miles from Earth
By Ashley Strickland at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· 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 Detroit
Detroiters may wonder what a spacecraft nearly 6 billion miles away has to do with their daily lives, but the New Horizons mission has significant implications for the local scientific community. The mission's findings on the formation of planets and the Kuiper Belt can inform and inspire research at local universities and institutions, potentially attracting top talent and funding to the area. Furthermore, the mission's success demonstrates the importance of continued investment in STEM education and research, which can have a direct impact on Detroit 's economy and workforce development. As the city continues to revitalize and grow, initiatives that promote scientific inquiry and exploration can play a key role in shaping its future. The fact that New Horizons is still transmitting valuable data after years of exploration is a testament to human ingenuity and the boundless curiosity that drives scientific discovery, values that are just as relevant in Detroit as they are in the far reaches of the solar system.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit 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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Detroit stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ashley Strickland at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter