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MAVEN Mars Mission Faces Communication Crisis, Orbit Change

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) has been out of contact since December 4, with a December 15 update indicating issues beyond a simple communications failure.
Analysis of tracking data from December 6 shows MAVEN is rotating unexpectedly and may have altered its orbit.
The spacecraft, launched in November 2013, studies Mars' atmosphere and serves as a communications link for rovers.
Recovery efforts face challenges from an upcoming solar conjunction that will limit communications.
MAVEN's mission, initially set for two years, has lasted over 12 years, delivering insights into Mars' atmospheric loss and solar interactions.

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Story summary

NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) has been out of contact since December 4, with a December 15 update indicating issues beyond a simple communications failure.
Analysis of tracking data from December 6 shows MAVEN is rotating unexpectedly and may have altered its orbit.
The spacecraft, launched in November 2013, studies Mars' atmosphere and serves as a communications link for rovers.
Recovery efforts face challenges from an upcoming solar conjunction that will limit communications.
MAVEN's mission, initially set for two years, has lasted over 12 years, delivering insights into Mars' atmospheric loss and solar interactions.