NASA loses contact with spacecraft studying Martian atmosphere
What's the story
NASA has lost contact with its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft, a vital probe studying the Martian atmosphere. The issue arose on December 6 when the probe went behind Mars during its orbit. Despite functioning normally before this orbital maneuver, it failed to reestablish communication after reappearing in front of the planet. "Telemetry showed all subsystems working normally before it orbited behind [Mars]," NASA said in a statement.
Mission details
Mission and past challenges
Launched in November 2013, MAVEN entered Mars orbit less than a year later. The probe has been studying the planet's atmosphere, trying to understand why it has lost so much to space over time This research is crucial for understanding Mars's past habitability. Notably, this isn't the first time MAVEN has gone silent, a similar incident happened shortly after its arrival at Mars orbit due to an onboard glitch forcing it into safe mode for nearly a week.
Relay function
MAVEN's role in Mars exploration and future prospects
MAVEN also serves as a communications relay for NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the Martian surface. It collects data from these rovers and transmits it to Earth's Deep Space Network. Despite having enough fuel to continue operations until 2030, MAVEN's future remains uncertain under NASA's proposed budget for the coming year. The plan suggests ending missions that have exceeded their original timelines, which could include MAVEN despite its extended mission duration granted by previous administrations.