Things aren’t looking great for NASA’s MAVEN orbiter. As of December 4, it has been silent, and NASA has been unable to re-establish contact. A recent analysis indicated MAVEN is rotating oddly, and its orbit may have changed.
MAVEN, or Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, launched in November 2013 and reached Mars in 2014. Its mission? To study the Martian atmosphere and how it reacts to solar wind—the stream of charged particles from the sun.
Initially, MAVEN had a one-year mission, but it exceeded expectations. It revealed crucial insights about how Mars lost its thick atmosphere, which once allowed liquid water to exist. Over the years, it continued to gather data on Martian dust storms, winds, and auroras.
In addition to its research role, MAVEN acts as a communication link between mission control and rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance. However, it’s not alone in this job. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey, along with the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars, also play crucial roles in relaying information. Thankfully, these orbiters are still operational and are helping to keep the science going while the MAVEN team tries to regain contact.
This situation isn’t just a technical glitch; it highlights the challenges of exploring Mars. In an age when we’re advancing in technology, maintaining consistent communication with spacecraft can still be tricky. In fact, recent surveys show that almost 40% of space missions encounter some form of communication breakdown. As experts note, even small disruptions can have a cascading effect on data collection and mission goals.
While MAVEN’s silence raises concerns, it also reminds us of the incredible journey and contributions it has made. Over the years, its findings have changed our understanding of Mars and its potential for harboring life. Keeping the conversation going about these missions allows us to appreciate the complexities of space exploration. For now, all we can do is hope for MAVEN’s return—and celebrate the other orbiters that continue to uncover the mysteries of the Red Planet.
