Maven data reveals Mars lost Earth-like atmosphere with ancient water
Maven found Mars once had an Earth-like atmosphere with water before losing it to space.
Event / Science
NASA Maven Mars Spacecraft
NASA's Maven spacecraft at Mars has been declared dead after six months of radio silence beginning in December. The spacecraft lost contact after passing behind Mars due to a fast spin that disrupted its orbit and drained its batteries. Maven operated for over 11 years, exceeding its planned one-year lifespan, and made significant discoveries about Mars' atmosphere and its transformation from an Earth-like environment to the dry planet it is today.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-17 to 2026-11-14 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Jun, 00:31 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Maven discovered Mars transformed from Earth-like atmosphere with liquid water
During its mission, Maven provided information about how Mars' atmosphere changed over time, transforming the planet from one with a more Earth-like atmosphere that could have hosted liquid water on the surface. The spacecraft discovered new types of auroras across the planet and studied Mars' dust storms.
NASA declares Mars Maven spacecraft dead after six months of radio silence
NASA confirmed on Wednesday that its Maven spacecraft at Mars has been declared dead after more than a decade of observations. The spacecraft 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. A review board concluded that the spacecraft is unrecoverable.
Maven served as communications relay for Curiosity and Perseverance rovers
Maven played a key role as a communications link between Earth and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars. The Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft have assumed this communications role following Maven's failure.
Maven spacecraft lost contact on December 6 during Mars orbit pass
NASA's Deep Space Network last received a transmission from the Maven satellite on December 6 as its orbit passed behind Mars. When the spacecraft emerged from behind the planet, communications did not resume. The cause was under investigation, but the spacecraft was rotating at an unusually high rate, leading to battery depletion.
Maven spacecraft launched in November 2013 to study Mars atmosphere
Maven launched in November 2013 on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and arrived in Mars orbit 10 months later. The mission was designed to study the red planet's atmosphere and its evolution. The spacecraft operated for more than 11 years, far exceeding its planned one-year lifespan.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
NASA's Maven Mars Spacecraft Declared Dead After Six Months Silent
NASA declared the Maven Mars spacecraft dead after six months of unresponsiveness since December 6 contact loss.