After a Decade at Mars, NASA Loses Contact With MAVEN Orbiter

NASA has lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which has been orbiting the Red Planet for over a decade. The space agency confirmed that the spacecraft abruptly stopped communicating with Earth after passing behind Mars, raising concerns about the status of one of its most important Martian science missions.

Sudden Communication Blackout

According to NASA, MAVEN was functioning normally before it moved behind Mars relative to Earth, a routine phase during its orbit when communication is temporarily unavailable. However, when the spacecraft re-emerged, ground stations received no signals. Engineers have since been attempting to re-establish contact, but the spacecraft has remained silent. NASA has initiated detailed engineering investigations to determine whether the issue is linked to onboard systems, power supply, or external factors.

Mission Launched to Study Martian Atmosphere

Launched in 2013, MAVEN entered Mars orbit in 2014 with the primary objective of studying the planet’s upper atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind. Data collected by the mission played a crucial role in helping scientists understand how Mars lost much of its atmosphere over billions of years. The findings supported the conclusion that intense solar activity stripped away atmospheric gases, transforming Mars from a once warmer, wetter planet into the cold and arid world seen today.

Critical Role in Mars Exploration Network

Beyond scientific observations, MAVEN has served as a vital communication relay for NASA’s surface missions. It has supported data transmission for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, enabling the flow of images and scientific measurements back to Earth. The loss of MAVEN could reduce redundancy in Mars communications, although NASA has confirmed that other orbiters remain operational to support ongoing missions.

Exam Oriented Facts

• MAVEN stands for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution.
• The spacecraft was launched in 2013 and reached Mars in 2014.
• MAVEN studied the interaction between the Martian atmosphere and solar wind.
• It also functioned as a communication relay for Mars rovers.

Other Active NASA Orbiters Around Mars

NASA currently has two other active spacecraft orbiting Mars. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, continues to provide high-resolution imaging and communication support. Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001, remains the longest-serving spacecraft at the planet and supports both scientific observations and relay operations. These missions are expected to maintain continuity in Mars exploration as efforts continue to diagnose MAVEN’s communication failure.