NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which famously explored Pluto in 2015, has successfully emerged from a 321-day hibernation period after traveling six billion miles from Earth.The probe, launched in 2006, is now resuming its mission to study the outer solar system, including the Kuiper Belt.

Scientists are eager to analyse data collected during its dormant phase, which includes measurements of space dust, solar wind, and energetic particles.

The spacecraft's awakening marks a critical milestone, as it will continue its journey to investigate the heliosphere and potential distant objects.

Mission managers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory confirmed the spacecraft's systems are functioning optimally, with all status reports indicating 'green' conditions.

Future operations will involve retrieving stored data and conducting instrument checkouts, while upgrades to ground software aim to streamline maintenance.

New Horizons, already a pioneer in space exploration, is expected to remain operational until the end of the decade, contributing valuable insights into the formation of the universe and the composition of the Kuiper Belt.