
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that has orbited Mars for more than a decade.
Maven abruptly stopped communicating to ground stations over the weekend. NASA said this week that it was working fine before it went behind the red planet. When it reappeared, there was only silence.
Launched in 2013, Maven began studying the upper Martian atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind once reaching the red planet the following year. Scientists ended up blaming the sun for Mars losing most of its atmosphere to space over the eons, turning it from wet and warm to the dry and cold world it is today.
Maven also has served as a communication relay for NASA’s two Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance.
Engineering investigations are underway, according to NASA.
NASA has two other spacecraft around Mars that are still active: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
latest_posts
- 1
This star-forming galaxy is blowing out powerful winds topping 2 million mph - 2
Landon Donovan knew he couldn’t hide his hair loss. So he turned to fans for help. - 3
Israeli strike on Gaza City vehicle kills at least four, report says - 4
How to watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for free in 2025 - 5
Reactions as Artemis II astronauts lift off on historic lunar mission
Track down Your Optimal Conservative Vehicle: Famous Brands to Consider
The 10 Most Famous Style Minutes on Honorary pathway
Dozens killed as Angola flood death toll rises
January’s full wolf supermoon and the Quadrantid meteor shower will start off the new year
Warning for snow and ice extended
7 Fun Plans to Make Film Evenings Seriously Energizing (You'll Cherish #5!)
Most loved VR Game for Wellness: Which Keeps You Dynamic?
How Deforestation Is Reshaping Mosquito-Human Contact
FDA updates risk classification for voluntary shredded cheese recall













