NASA Loses Contact With Long-Running MAVEN Mars Spacecraft

NASA has unexpectedly lost communication with its MAVEN spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for over ten years. The sudden silence occurred over the weekend after the orbiter passed behind the planet.

According to NASA, MAVEN was functioning normally before entering Mars’ shadow. However, when it re-emerged, ground stations received no signal.

About MAVEN

• Launched: 2013

• Arrived at Mars: 2014

• Mission: Study the planet’s upper atmosphere and investigate how solar wind stripped Mars of most of its atmosphere over billions of years.

• MAVEN has also acted as a crucial communication relay for NASA’s surface missions — including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.

Current Situation

NASA engineers have begun investigations to determine the cause of the communication blackout. Until MAVEN is recovered, rover communications may be temporarily impacted, though NASA still has two functioning orbiters:

• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) – in service since 2006

• Mars Odyssey – in service since 2001

Both remain operational and continue to support scientific missions and communication relay services.