NASA loses contact with MAVEN spacecraft after Mars blackout and budget cuts

NASA has lost contact with its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft. The probe, designed to study the planet’s upper atmosphere, last communicated on 6 December 2023 before moving behind Mars from Earth’s perspective. The loss comes as NASA’s latest budget proposal cuts all funding for the mission.

MAVEN launched to explore how Mars’ atmosphere interacts with solar wind. Over time, it also became a vital communications link for rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance, as well as orbiters such as Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

The spacecraft has faced technical hurdles before, including issues with its inertial measurement units (IMUs). In 2022, engineers switched to an 'all-stellar' navigation system to reduce reliance on these faulty components. Despite past problems, MAVEN still had enough propellant to remain operational until at least 2030.

NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal removed all funding for the mission, which cost $22.6 million to run in 2024. The agency had previously considered shutting down MAVEN, along with other missions operating long beyond their original timelines.

Without funding, MAVEN’s future remains uncertain. The spacecraft’s role in relaying data from Mars rovers and orbiters could now be at risk. NASA has yet to confirm whether attempts to re-establish contact will continue.