
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
Winter storms blanket the East, while the U.S. West is wondering: Where’s the snow? - 2
When Would it be a good idea for you to Look for Help from a Criminal Legal counselor? - 3
Avoid Large Crowds In Bali & Swim At This Peaceful Waterfall With A Gorgeous, Natural Pool - 4
UAE used military bases in Red Sea region to aid Israel's war against Hamas, leaks reveal - 5
Israel kidnaps PIJ terrorist in covert op. in Hamas-controlled Gaza in pursuit of Ran Gvili
15 skywatching events you won't want to miss in 2026
RFK Jr. guts the US childhood vaccine schedule despite its decades-long safety record
Careful Nurturing: Techniques for Bringing up Tough Children
Real time features for Films and Programs
Figure out How to Score Huge with Open Record Rewards
The Most Vital Crossroads in Olympic History
Step by step instructions to Pick an Incineration Urn: Variables to Consider
Conquering Social Generalizations: Individual Accounts of Strengthening
Rebecca Gayheart on her 'very complicated' relationship with Eric Dane: 'I am always going to want the best for him'













