NASA declares its Mars Maven spacecraft dead after 6 months of silence
By — Marcia Dunn, Associated Press Marcia Dunn, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/nasa-declares-its-mars-maven-spacecraft-dead-after-6-months-of-silence Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter NASA declares its Mars Maven spacecraft dead after 6 months of silence Science Jun 4, 2026 5:12 PM EDT CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — After six months of radio silence, NASA's Maven spacecraft around Mars has been declared dead. The space agency confirmed Wednesday that the mission had ended after more than a decade of observations. READ MORE: NASA loses contact with Maven spacecraft orbiting Mars for the past decade "The team really did experience the loss of a loved one with the end of the mission here," said NASA project manager Mike Moreau. Launched in 2013 to study the red planet's atmosphere from orbit, Maven mysteriously fell silent in early December after passing behind Mars. Data indicated the spacecraft went into a fast spin, which disrupted its orbit and drained the onboard batteries. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. A review board convened by NASA earlier this year concluded that the spacecraft is useless and unable to be recovered. It's expected to remain in orbit for another 50 to 100 years before crashing into the planet, posing no issue to other spacecraft until then. An investigation continues into what caused the problem. READ MORE: What colors paint Mars' northern lights? New results from NASA's MAVEN mission Besides studying Martian weather and observing a stray interstellar comet last year, Maven helped relay information from NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the surface. NASA officials said four other spacecraft around Mars — two U.S. and two European satellites — will pick up the slack, with no rover science lost. Technicians work on NASA's next Mars-bound spacecraft, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral on Sept. 27, 2013. File photo by Joe Skipper/ Reuters "The team is certainly broken up about this, but at the same time we are incredibly proud of the science we've accomplished over the last decade," said Maven's lead scientist, Shannon Curry of the University of Colorado Boulder. The spacecraft advanced scientists' understanding of the Martian atmosphere and evolution, Curry said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Government waste? NASAs overbudgeted, underachieving boondoggle. #SpaceForLiberty
Space exploration is complex. NASAs challenges dont define its value. Lets learn from past mistakes and continue pushing boundaries.
Even though Mars Maven is gone, the data it collected is invaluable. Who knows what secrets it holds about the Red Planet?
Does NASAs failure on Mars signal the end of space exploration, or just a temporary setback? Lets hope for a breakthrough that pushes us forward in our quest for knowledge and discovery.
NASAs Mars Maven was a beacon of hope, but its silence reminds us of the vast mysteries still hiding on Mars. The data it collected is a treasure trove, but the search for life continues. Lets keep pushing the boundaries of what we know.
Lets remember Mars Maven wasnt a failure, but a stepping stone. Each setback teaches us crucial lessons for future missions. Lets channel that wisdom and keep exploring!
Lets remember, every mission is a step forward, even if it doesnt land. NASAs perseverance is crucial for future discoveries. What can we learn from this setback and how can we improve?
Sad to hear about the loss of Mars Maven. Its a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices in space exploration, but also a testament to the incredible progress weve made. Lets remember to celebrate every small victory and keep pushing the boundaries of what we know and can achieve.
While Mars Maven may be silent, its data is irreplaceable. Every bit of info could unlock new knowledge about Mars past and potential. Lets honor its contributions and continue exploring the Red Planet with new missions.
Every setback is a setup for a comeback. NASAs perseverance is a testament to human ingenuity. We learn from our mistakes, and thats how progress is made. #NASA #MarsMaven #Perseverance
Tragic loss, but Mars Mavens data revolutionized our understanding of Martian atmosphere. This setback may slow progress, but it fuels innovation and ignites a new generation of explorers. Space exploration is humanitys destinylets persevere and push boundaries!
Oh no, thats a huge setback! The Mars Maven was a true game-changer. Lets not let this slow us down. Weve got more rockets and smart people than ever. This is just a bump in the road. Lets remember why were doing this and keep pushing forward! #MarsExploration #Innovation #SpaceRace
What specific technical issues could have led to Mars Mavens unexpected silence, and what lessons can NASA learn to enhance mission reliability in the future?
Every setback is a setup for a comeback - true, but at what cost? How much taxpayer money and effort went into this failed mission? Lets remember the value of taxpayer dollars and prioritize scientific endeavors that yield real benefits. #NASA #MarsMaven #Perseverance #ValueForTaxPayerDollars
Sad to hear, but Mars Mavens data is a treasure trove for scientists. Who knows what secrets it holds about our neighbor? Lets honor its contribution to space exploration!