JOURNAL ARTICLE

NASA is making last-ditch attempt to contact tumbling Mars orbiter: After 12 years studying the Red Planet's atmosphere, MAVEN has gone perilously quiet.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Richter, Hannah 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the recent loss of communication with NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) orbiter, which had been studying Mars's atmosphere for 12 years. After sending its last data on December 4, 2025, MAVEN began tumbling in orbit, and efforts to re-establish contact have been unsuccessful. Launched in 2013, MAVEN focused on understanding how solar winds have stripped Mars of its atmosphere and contributed to the planet's transformation from a warm, wet environment to a cold, dry one. Despite challenges, including a near-cancellation of the mission, MAVEN provided valuable insights into Mars's atmospheric dynamics and water loss before its abrupt silence. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2026/01, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:191071906
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