11 years, 800 papers, and 18% of surface data: NASA bids farewell to silent MAVEN orbiter

After 11 years of groundbreaking work, NASA is saying goodbye to the MAVEN orbiter, which has contributed to 800 scientific papers and provided 18% of the data on Mars' atmosphere. Despite months of attempts to revive its hardware, the orbiter has failed to respond, leading NASA to start decommissioning operations. This mission was pivotal in understanding Mars' atmospheric loss and its implications for the planet's potential to support life. The end of MAVEN's operations marks a significant chapter in planetary science and highlights the challenges and triumphs of long-term space exploration.