tech
NASA just lost contact with a Mars orbiter, and will soon lose another one
If NASA is serious about exploring Mars, it’s past time to send new missions.
TL;DR
- MAVEN spacecraft lost contact with NASA's Deep Space Network after orbiting Mars.
- Mission controllers are investigating the anomaly.
- MAVEN studied solar wind's erosion of the Martian atmosphere and helped understand Mars' auroras.
- MAVEN also served as a crucial communication relay for rovers on Mars.
- NASA has two other operational Mars orbiters, but they are aging and have limited lifespans.
- European and Chinese/UAE spacecraft also orbit Mars but are not equipped for NASA's relay needs.
- Loss of MAVEN could significantly reduce data throughput from NASA's rovers.
- Concerns exist about NASA's aging spacecraft fleet at Mars and future mission support.
- NASA is exploring commercial relay services and has been allocated funds for a new Mars telecom relay station.
- MAVEN was previously targeted for cancellation in a proposed NASA budget but was not cut by Congress.