
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
Monetary Security: Building Serious areas of strength for an Establishment - 2
Cathay Pacific raises fuel surcharge on all flights by 34% - 3
What's going on with Katseye? The Manon Bannerman hiatus drama, explained. - 4
FDA official discusses potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric deaths - 5
Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis and plans to undergo surgery: 'It's pure luck' it was 'found so early'
Tech giants accused of not complying with Australian social media ban
Figure out how to Put resources into Lab Precious stones: A Novice's Aide
5 Must-Attempt Fascinating Dishes from Around the World
Nepal’s youngest premier sworn in after releasing new rap song about unity
6 Exceptionally Appraised Summer Travel Objections
What's going around right now? COVID, flu, stomach bug on the rise
Progress Over Perfection: Lessons From Garment Factories Fighting Heat Stress
Discovering a sense of harmony: Individual Accounts of Reflection and Care
2023's Best 10 Cell phone Advancements You Can't Miss












