NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft lost contact with Earth on December 6, failing to transmit telemetry signals through NASA's Deep Space Network. Subsequent efforts to reestablish communication have been unsuccessful, with a NASA official indicating that recovery of the orbiter is "very unlikely." The conclusion of a Mars solar conjunction on January 16 may present a new opportunity for contact.
Loss of Contact and Initial Observations
The MAVEN spacecraft, which has been studying Mars' upper atmosphere for over a decade, ceased sending telemetry data on December 6. On December 12, NASA reported that MAVEN appeared to be rotating in an unexpected manner after emerging from behind Mars. An update issued on December 23 confirmed that efforts to recontact the spacecraft were ongoing.
Recovery Prospects and Contributing Factors
During a recent Tuesday meeting, NASA planetary science division director Louise Prockter stated that the recovery of the MAVEN orbiter is considered "very unlikely." Communication with the spacecraft was hindered by Mars' solar conjunction, a period during which Mars and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun. This conjunction is projected to conclude on January 16, potentially offering a renewed opportunity for NASA to reestablish contact.
Investigation and Supporting Systems
The MAVEN team has been analyzing tracking data fragments from a radio science campaign conducted on December 6 to identify the root cause of the communication failure. NASA also attempted to locate MAVEN using the Mastcam instrument on the Curiosity rover, but the spacecraft was not detected.
Currently, three other spacecraft are available to relay communications between Mars missions and Earth. Additionally, the Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, a future mission, has had its development revived, although its launch timeline remains uncertain.