
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
Doctored NXT Summit footage falsely portrays Modi as declaring war on Iran and Pakistan - 2
Figure out How to Keep up with Oral Wellbeing During Pregnancy - 3
Find Unexpected, yet invaluable treasure Excursion Rentals - 4
What to know about MIT professor Nuno Loureiro and the investigation into his shooting - 5
At UN climate conference, some activists and scientists want more talk on reforming agriculture
How to watch ‘The Traitors’ U.K. Season 4 premiere today from the U.S.
The most effective method to Amplify Profits from Gold Speculation: Systems and Tips
The next frontier in space is closer than you think – welcome to the world of very low Earth orbit satellites
Step by step instructions to Guarantee Your Fender bender Legal counselor has Areas of strength for a Record
When the moon hits your eye from your Orion ship up high, that's a 'mare'
Find the Advantages of Positive Nurturing: Supporting Cheerful and Sound Kids
The Most Vital Crossroads in Olympic History
Will your baby get a hep B vaccine? What RFK panel's ruling means.
Solid Living Tips: Experiences from a Wellness Fan













