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Scientists Map Ancient Mars River Basins, Potential Sites for Life

Scientists Map Ancient Mars River Basins, Potential Sites for Life

For the first time, scientists have mapped vast, continent-scale river drainage systems on Mars, which may be promising locations to search for signs of ancient life. These ancient networks, formed billions of years ago, suggest that Mars once had large, integrated river systems similar to those on Earth. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin compiled data from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft to trace these features, revealing cohesive, basin-spanning drainage networks. The study identified 16 major drainage basins, which once covered about 5% of Mars' ancient terrain, indicating that early Mars was a patchwork of isolated watersheds with a few mega-basins acting as planetary conveyor belts.

NASA's Curiosity Rover Conducts Extensive Drilling and Analysis on Mars

NASA's Curiosity Rover Conducts Extensive Drilling and Analysis on Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively conducting scientific experiments on Mars, focusing on drilling and analyzing samples from the Nevado Sajama region. The rover recently completed its 45th drill hole, with the CheMin and SAM instruments analyzing the samples. The team is utilizing an extended planning period to maximize scientific output, including ChemCam's seven LIBS measurements and Mastcam's 360-degree stereo mosaic. The rover is also monitoring the Martian environment for dust and atmospheric changes as the planet enters its dusty season.

NASA's Perseverance Rover Records Electrical Discharge in Martian Dust Storms

NASA's Perseverance Rover Records Electrical Discharge in Martian Dust Storms

NASA's Perseverance rover has captured the first clear audio recording of electrical discharges within a Martian dust storm. The recordings, made by the rover's SuperCam microphone, reveal faint crackles and mini-sonic booms as dust devils swept across the surface of Mars. This data was collected inside Jezero Crater on September 6 and released by NASA on December 3. The phenomenon, long suspected by researchers, involves wind-blown dust on Mars building up enough static charge to spark, a process facilitated by Mars' thin atmosphere. The rover's findings confirm these theories, providing both visual and audio evidence of the electrified dust devils. The study detailing these findings was published in the journal Nature on November 26.

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss After Mars Orbit

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss After Mars Orbit

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014, experienced a loss of signal with Earth on December 6. Prior to the signal loss, telemetry indicated that all subsystems were functioning normally. The spacecraft lost contact after moving behind Mars, and upon re-emerging, the Deep Space Network failed to detect a signal. NASA teams are currently investigating the anomaly to determine the cause and address the issue. MAVEN's mission is to study Mars' upper atmosphere and its interactions with the Sun and solar wind, providing insights into the planet's atmospheric history and climate. The spacecraft also serves as a communications relay for Martian rovers.

NASA Loses Contact with Maven Spacecraft Orbiting Mars, Impacting Decade-Long Mission

NASA Loses Contact with Maven Spacecraft Orbiting Mars, Impacting Decade-Long Mission

NASA has lost contact with its Maven spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for the past decade. The spacecraft, launched to study the Martian atmosphere, has been a critical part of NASA's exploration of the Red Planet. The loss of communication raises concerns about the continuation of its mission and the data it was expected to collect. The Maven spacecraft has been instrumental in providing insights into the Martian climate and atmospheric conditions, contributing significantly to the understanding of Mars' potential to support life. The exact cause of the communication breakdown is currently under investigation by NASA engineers.

Study Models UV Protection by Ferric Ions in Ancient Martian Lakes

Study Models UV Protection by Ferric Ions in Ancient Martian Lakes

A new study has modeled the photoprotection of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation by ferric ions (Fe3+) in ancient Martian lakes. The research suggests that high concentrations of Fe3+ in these lakes could have absorbed harmful UVC radiation, potentially allowing microorganisms to survive. The study used a model to estimate the viability of microorganisms in Fe3+-rich solutions, demonstrating that such environments could protect life forms from lethal UVC doses. This model provides insights into the habitability of ancient Martian environments, enhancing the understanding of potential life-supporting conditions on Mars.

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss at Mars

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss at Mars

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which is orbiting Mars, experienced a loss of signal with Earth-based ground stations on December 6. Prior to the signal loss, telemetry indicated that all subsystems were functioning normally. The signal was lost when MAVEN orbited behind Mars, and it did not re-establish contact upon re-emerging. NASA's Deep Space Network is currently working with the spacecraft and operations teams to investigate the anomaly and restore communication. MAVEN, launched in 2013, has been studying Mars' upper atmosphere and its interactions with solar wind to understand atmospheric loss.

NASA Celebrates 25 Years of Space Station Technology Advancements

NASA Celebrates 25 Years of Space Station Technology Advancements

NASA, along with its international partners, marks 25 years of continuous human habitation and technological advancements aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since November 2000, the ISS has served as a critical platform for developing technologies that support NASA's Artemis campaign, future lunar missions, and human exploration of Mars. Key technological advancements include the use of robotic systems like Canadarm2 and Astrobee, which have enhanced operational capabilities and opened new exploration pathways. The station's life support systems have been pivotal in recycling air and water, reducing the need for resupply from Earth. Additionally, the ISS has been instrumental in advancing 3D printing technology, allowing for the creation of tools and parts in space, which is crucial for long-duration missions. The station's solar arrays have also been a focus of research, leading to more efficient solar power technologies.

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss Affecting Mars Mission

NASA Investigates MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss Affecting Mars Mission

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014, experienced a loss of signal with Earth-based ground stations on December 6. Prior to the signal loss, telemetry data indicated that all subsystems were functioning normally. The spacecraft lost contact after moving behind Mars, and upon re-emerging, no signal was detected by NASA's Deep Space Network. The MAVEN mission, launched in November 2013, aims to study the Martian upper atmosphere and its interactions with solar wind, providing insights into the planet's atmospheric history and habitability. The spacecraft also serves as a communication relay for Mars rovers.

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Communication with Martian Missions

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Communication with Martian Missions

NASA has lost contact with its MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) orbiter, a critical satellite for both scientific research and communication with Mars surface missions. The loss occurred on December 6, 2025, when the orbiter was on the far side of Mars, a situation that typically results in a temporary loss of signal. However, the Deep Space Network (DSN) failed to reestablish contact as expected. MAVEN, which launched in November 2013, has been instrumental in studying Mars' atmospheric evolution and serves as a communication relay for NASA's rovers, including Perseverance and Curiosity. NASA is currently investigating the anomaly to restore communication.

NASA's Goddard Team Explores Lava Caves in Hawaii for Astrobiology Research

NASA's Goddard Team Explores Lava Caves in Hawaii for Astrobiology Research

NASA's Goddard Instrument Field Team conducted research in Hawaii's lava caves to study volcanic terrains and their astrobiological potential. The team, including scientists Bethany Theiling and Jen Stern, focused on detecting microbial life and understanding volcanic processes. The caves, similar to those on the Moon and Mars, offer insights into planetary geology and potential habitats for life beyond Earth. The team used various instruments, including spectrometers and magnetometers, to analyze the caves' geological features and search for signs of life. This research is part of NASA's broader efforts to develop techniques for future lunar and Martian exploration.

NASA's Perseverance Rover Finds Evidence of Ancient Tropical Rainfall on Mars

NASA's Perseverance Rover Finds Evidence of Ancient Tropical Rainfall on Mars

NASA's Perseverance Rover has discovered fragments of bleached clay on Mars, suggesting the planet once experienced tropical rainfall. Researchers from Purdue University analyzed these fragments, which indicate Mars was warm and wet for millions of years, similar to Earth's tropical regions. The findings, based on the rover's exploration of the Jezero Crater, provide further evidence that Mars had conditions suitable for life. The presence of kaolinite, a clay mineral formed under tropical conditions, supports the theory of a once-habitable Martian environment.