NASA announces loss of Mars probe Maven after six months of silence

NASA has officially declared its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (Maven) mission concluded after losing contact with the probe in December 2025. The spacecraft, originally designed for a one- to two-year mission, had been actively studying Mars' atmosphere and climate evolution for over a decade.

Despite extensive efforts to re-establish communication, the channel has remained silent. NASA officials believe the probe is likely still in orbit around Mars. The agency has initiated an investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the communication failure.

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We now understand atmospheric escape on Mars better than on any other planet, including Earth, making Mars a formidable natural laboratory for understanding rocky planet atmospheres.

Shannon Curry, an astrophysics professor involved with the mission, described Maven as "the best Mars mission." The probe significantly advanced scientists' understanding of atmospheric escape, the process by which planetary atmospheres leak into space. "We now understand atmospheric escape on Mars better than on any other planet, including Earth, making Mars a formidable natural laboratory for understanding rocky planet atmospheres," Curry stated.

Tiffany Morgan, NASA's program manager for Mars exploration, emphasized Maven's critical role in improving knowledge of Mars' atmosphere, climate history, and habitability. Additionally, the probe served as a vital communication relay between Earth and the rovers operating on the Martian surface. Fortunately, NASA has other orbiting spacecraft capable of fulfilling this relay function.

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Maven has considerably improved our understanding of Mars' atmosphere, climate history, and habitability.