NASA reported the loss of communication with one of the Mars probes. Efforts are underway to restore contact with the unmanned MAVEN probe.
The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft has been in orbit around Mars since September 2014. Recently, the tenth anniversary of her stay near the Red Planet was celebrated.
Unfortunately, on December 6, ground control stations lost contact with the probe. Before the probe flew beyond the planet’s shield, telemetry data showed that all of the probe’s subsystems were working properly. However, when it emerged from beyond Mars, no signal was received.
NASA indicated that its teams are reviewing the situation and more information will be released later.
Misna MAVEN
The MAVEN mission was launched from Earth on November 18, 2013. Its aim is to study the upper atmosphere of Mars, the ionosphere and their interactions with the Sun and the solar wind. In particular, scientists are trying to learn more about Mars’ atmospheric loss. This will allow us to better understand the history of the Red Planet’s climate, water and habitability.
An additional task of the probe is to act as a telecommunications relay for rovers exploring the surface of Mars, transmitting their signals to Earth.
Adam Bąkowski/PAP
