NASA has been trying to revive communication with its MAVEN spacecraft, which studies Mars. The probe went silent on December 6, and since then, efforts to reconnect have failed. MAVEN was spinning unexpectedly, which has alarmed mission controllers.
NASA has to wait until January 16 to make another attempt to reach MAVEN because Mars and Earth are currently on opposite sides of the sun. This situation creates a temporary communication blackout.
MAVEN, which has been in orbit since 2014, has helped scientists understand Mars’s atmosphere and why it has changed over time. The probe is crucial for relaying information between the Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance, and Earth.
Initially, communication loss was expected as MAVEN moved behind Mars. However, when it reappeared, there was no signal, which was concerning. NASA described the situation as a “loss of signal” and stated that all systems were functioning normally before the incident.
When they recovered a small amount of data from December 6, NASA found that MAVEN was rotating in an unusual way. To investigate further, engineers are analyzing the tracking data and using the Deep Space Network—an array of large antennas—to send commands and listen for signals.
NASA even attempted to take pictures of MAVEN from Curiosity, but the probe remained unresponsive. According to recent statistics, MAVEN was only expected to operate for two years but has already been operational for over a decade, celebrating its 10th anniversary orbiting Mars in 2024.
Understanding atmospheric loss on Mars is essential. It provides insights into the planet’s past climate and how it transformed from a potentially habitable world with water to the dry and cold environment we see today.
Currently, NASA also has two other operational spacecraft around Mars: the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, which took off in 2001. Together, they contribute to our growing understanding of the red planet.
For more detailed information, you can check out NASA’s statements on this ongoing situation here.
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Mars Atmosphere, MAVEN spacecraft, NASA, surface of Mars, orbit around Mars, space agency, mission controllers
