NASA launches the MAVEN probe to Mars
November 18th, 2013
November 18th, 2013
How Long Ago?
11 years, 3 months, 24 days ago
Location
Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- John Grunsfeld
- David Mitchell
- Bruce Jakosky
Links & References
Tags
NASA launches the MAVEN probe to Mars
NASA successfully launched the MAVEN probe towards Mars to study its atmosphere and climate. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft was designed to gather data on how the Martian environment has lost much of its atmosphere, providing insight into the planet's habitability. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, MAVEN was set to arrive at Mars in September 2014 after a ten-month journey, aiming to help scientists understand the planet's meteorological history.
MAVEN stands for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution.
The spacecraft was launched on an Atlas V rocket.
MAVEN's mission aim was to study Mars' atmospheric loss.
It entered Mars' orbit in September 2014 after launch.
What Happened?
On November 18, 2013, NASA launched the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Designed to investigate the Martian atmosphere, MAVEN's primary mission was to examine the upper atmosphere of Mars and how it has changed over time. This is crucial for understanding the planet's climate and its ability to support life. The spacecraft was expected to travel for approximately ten months, ultimately entering Mars' orbit in September 2014. MAVEN was equipped with sophisticated instruments to analyze the composition of the atmosphere, measure solar wind impacts, and assess seasonal changes on the planet.MAVEN's launch was part of a larger trend in space exploration aimed at understanding Mars' evolution and informing future missions that may send humans to the planet. The spacecraft was a response to discoveries made by previous missions that hinted at a once-thicker atmosphere capable of sustaining liquid water on the surface. By studying the current state of the atmosphere and its historical shifts, MAVEN aimed to provide key insights into what might have caused the atmospheric loss and whether Mars could have been hospitable to life in its early history. The mission's findings are expected to be vital for future exploration and potential habitation of Mars by humans.
Why Does it Matter?
The launch of MAVEN marked a significant milestone in Mars exploration, focusing on the interplay between the Martian atmosphere and solar events. By analyzing this relationship, the mission aimed to unlock the secrets of Mars' climatic past, influencing future exploratory missions and the scientific community's understanding of planetary habitability. The results from MAVEN continue to shape the dialogue on the potential for life beyond Earth.
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