CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – NASA has lost contact with the Maven spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for over a decade.
The spacecraft unexpectedly went silent over the weekend, despite functioning normally before passing behind the planet. Once it reemerged from the planet’s shadow, ground teams received no signals.
Launched in 2013, Maven began studying Mars’ upper atmosphere and its interactions with the solar wind after arriving in 2014. Its findings have helped scientists understand how the sun gradually stripped much of Mars’ atmosphere, transforming the planet from a once-warm, wet world into the cold, arid landscape seen today.
In addition to its research role, Maven has served as a communication relay for NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. Engineers are currently investigating the loss of contact.
NASA continues to operate two other Mars orbiters: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001.