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TopicDetails
EventNASA reports loss of communication with MAVEN spacecraft over the weekend.
SpacecraftMAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution)
Launch Date2013
Orbit Entry2014
Mission DurationOver 10 years
Last Known StatusFunctioning normally before passing behind Mars.
Current StatusUnresponsive; failed to re-establish contact after re-emerging from Mars.
InvestigationsNASA has launched engineering investigations; communication attempts are ongoing.
Key ObjectivesStudy the upper atmosphere of Mars, examine interactions with the solar wind, and determine atmospheric loss.
Scientific ImpactConfirmed the Sun stripped away Mars' atmosphere over billions of years.
Communications RelaySupported Curiosity Rover and Perseverance Rover by transmitting data to Earth.
Other Operative CraftMars Odyssey (2001) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2005) continue operating.
Potential CausesSafe-mode transition, antenna orientation failure, power system issues, or communication malfunction.
OutcomeCause remains unknown; MAVEN's condition uncertain.

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