NASA just lost contact with a Mars orbiter, and will soon lose another one

Ars TechnicaThursday, December 11, 2025 at 12:29:54 AM
NegativeTechnology
NASA just lost contact with a Mars orbiter, and will soon lose another one
  • NASA has recently lost contact with its Maven spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for over a decade, marking a significant setback in its ongoing mission to study the Martian atmosphere and climate. This loss of communication raises concerns about the agency's current capabilities in Mars exploration.
  • The loss of the Maven orbiter is a critical blow to NASA's Mars exploration efforts, highlighting the urgent need for new missions to continue research and gather data on the planet. As the agency prepares to potentially lose another orbiter, the future of its Mars program appears increasingly uncertain.
  • This incident underscores a broader trend in space exploration, where aging technology and equipment can hinder scientific progress. While some scientists advocate for sending astronauts to Mars, emphasizing the feasibility and potential benefits of such missions, NASA's recent challenges with its robotic missions raise questions about its readiness and strategy for future endeavors.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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