NASA’s Maven Spacecraft Falls Silent After Decade Of Martian Atmosphere Research

NASA’s Maven spacecraft, a stalwart observer of the Martian atmosphere for over a decade, has fallen silent. The orbiter, launched in 2013, had been diligently studying the planet’s upper atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind since 2014. Its findings had significantly contributed to the understanding of Mars’ transformation from a wet and warm world to the dry and cold one it is today.

As Maven traversed the far side of Mars, it had been functioning normally, but upon reemergence, all communication ceased. NASA officials reported that the spacecraft’s sudden — of contact with ground stations occurred over the weekend. The Maven mission had provided crucial insights into the Martian atmosphere’s vulnerability to the solar wind, with scientists attributing the planet’s drastic change in climate to this phenomenon.

Maven had played a vital role in facilitating communication between NASA’s two Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance, and ground stations. Fortunately, NASA has two other active spacecraft orbiting Mars: the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and the Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001. These orbiters will continue to monitor the planet and relay data back to Earth.