Story perspectives

NASA Investigates MAVEN Contact Loss After Mars Flyby

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

NASA has lost contact with the MAVEN spacecraft after it passed behind Mars on December 6 and is investigating.
The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) has orbited Mars since 2014 and relays data from the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.
NASA is investigating the incident after previous glitches, including a three-month safe mode in 2022.
The agency notes that NASA's proposed budget could cancel missions that overrun schedules, potentially impacting MAVEN.

History

Historical Context

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, launched in 2013 and entering Mars' orbit in 2014, has provided vital insights into the Martian atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide. This mission follows a history of Mars exploration, including the Viking landers in 1976, which first analyzed the atmosphere. Recent communication issues with MAVEN echo past challenges, such as the Mars Polar Lander failure in 1999, potentially impacting future mission funding.

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Story summary

NASA has lost contact with the MAVEN spacecraft after it passed behind Mars on December 6 and is investigating.
The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) has orbited Mars since 2014 and relays data from the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.
NASA is investigating the incident after previous glitches, including a three-month safe mode in 2022.
The agency notes that NASA's proposed budget could cancel missions that overrun schedules, potentially impacting MAVEN.

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