NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission Launch on September 8, 2016
2016 · Cape Canaveral, United States
NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, its first mission to return samples from an asteroid, specifically Bennu, to Earth.
NASA Launches MAVEN Spacecraft - November 18, 2013
On November 18, 2013, NASA successfully launched the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The mission marked a significant step in understanding the Martian atmosphere and its evolution, with the ultimate goal of uncovering the planet’s climate history and assessing its potential habitability.
Background and Objectives
MAVEN was designed to investigate the upper atmosphere of Mars, focusing on how the planet’s climate has changed over time. The mission aimed to answer critical questions about the loss of atmospheric gases to space, which is believed to have played a significant role in transforming Mars from a warm, wet planet to the cold, arid world we see today.
Key objectives of the MAVEN mission included:
- Understanding Atmospheric Loss: MAVEN sought to measure the current rate of atmospheric escape and gather data to help scientists infer how much of the Martian atmosphere has been lost over time.
- Studying the Upper Atmosphere: The spacecraft was equipped to study the composition, structure, and dynamics of Mars’ upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
- Analyzing Solar Influence: MAVEN aimed to assess how solar wind and radiation affect the Martian atmosphere, providing insights into the interactions between the sun and Mars.
The Launch
The MAVEN spacecraft was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket. The launch was executed flawlessly, setting MAVEN on a trajectory to reach Mars after a 10-month journey through space. The spacecraft was equipped with a suite of scientific instruments designed to carry out its mission objectives.
Scientific Instruments
MAVEN carried eight scientific instruments grouped into three packages:
- Particles and Fields Package: This included instruments to measure solar wind and the ionosphere.
- Remote Sensing Package: Designed to determine global characteristics of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
- Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer: Used to measure the composition and isotopes of neutral gases and ions.
Arrival and Mission Impact
MAVEN entered Mars’ orbit on September 21, 2014. Since then, it has provided invaluable data that has enhanced our understanding of the Martian atmosphere and its evolution. The findings from MAVEN have helped scientists piece together the history of water on Mars and assess the planet’s past habitability.
Broader Significance
The MAVEN mission has contributed significantly to our understanding of planetary atmospheres and the processes that can lead to atmospheric loss. Its findings have implications not only for Mars but also for understanding the atmospheres of other planets, including Earth.
By studying Mars’ climate history, MAVEN has helped lay the groundwork for future exploration and the ongoing search for life beyond Earth. The mission continues to be a cornerstone of NASA’s Mars exploration program, providing data that informs both current and future missions to the Red Planet.