NASA just lost contact with a Mars orbiter, and will soon lose another one
NASA is currently facing significant challenges with its Mars exploration missions, as the agency has lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft. This loss of communication was reported on Tuesday, following a telemetry check on December 6, which indicated that all systems were functioning normally prior to MAVEN orbiting behind Mars. However, after the spacecraft passed behind the planet, NASA’s Deep Space Network failed to detect any signals from MAVEN, prompting mission controllers to investigate the anomaly. As they work to understand the situation, NASA has assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In addition to the issues with MAVEN, NASA is also grappling with concerns regarding its other Mars orbiters. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), which has been operational since 2006, is dangerously close to depleting its fuel reserves. This orbiter has played a crucial role in Mars exploration, providing valuable data and images of the Martian surface, but its longevity is now in question. Meanwhile, the Mars Odyssey spacecraft, which has exceeded its expected mission life, continues to operate despite being well beyond its original warranty period. These developments highlight the precarious nature of space missions, where technology can falter, and resources can dwindle, underscoring the challenges of maintaining long-term missions in the harsh environment of space.
As NASA navigates these difficulties, the agency’s commitment to Mars exploration remains steadfast. Each of these missions has contributed significantly to our understanding of the Martian atmosphere and geology, paving the way for future exploration, including potential human missions to the red planet. The loss of MAVEN, coupled with the fuel concerns of MRO and the aging technology of Mars Odyssey, serves as a reminder of both the achievements and the challenges faced in the pursuit of knowledge beyond Earth. As investigations continue, the space community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will allow these vital missions to continue their work in uncovering the mysteries of Mars.
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NASA has lost contact with one its three spacecraft orbiting Mars, the agency announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, a second Mars orbiter is perilously close to running out of fuel, and the third mission is running well past its warranty.
Ground teams last heard from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, spacecraft on Saturday, December 6. “Telemetry from MAVEN had showed all subsystems working normally before it orbited behind the red planet,”
NASA said in a short statement
. “After the spacecraft emerged from behind Mars, NASA’s Deep Space Network did not observe a signal.”
NASA said mission controllers are “investigating the anomaly to address the situation. More information will be shared once it becomes available.”
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