NASA's MAVEN Mars Orbiter Loses Contact, Mars Missions Affected

NASA's MAVEN Mars orbiter lost communication on December 6, 2025, after a routine blackout. The decade-old spacecraft, vital for atmospheric studies and rover data relay, showed unexpected rotation. Efforts to re-establish contact are ongoing, with other orbiters taking over relay duties.

• NASA's MAVEN orbiter lost contact on December 6, 2025, after a Martian transit.
• The spacecraft transmitted its last full health data on December 4, 2025.
• MAVEN has operated for over a decade, studying Mars' atmosphere and relaying data for rovers.
• Unexpected rotation and a possible orbit change were indicated by brief tracking data.
• Other orbiters are now handling communication relay for Curiosity and Perseverance.
• NASA's attempts to re-establish communication with MAVEN are currently unsuccessful.

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