Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) is a NASA mission launched to study the Martian atmosphere. The spacecraft orbits Mars, investigating how solar winds and radiation affect the planet’s atmosphere. MAVEN seeks to understand the loss of gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor over time, which is key to understanding Mars' climate history and potential for past life. By analyzing atmospheric composition and processes, MAVEN helps us learn why Mars is drastically different from Earth today, shedding light on planetary evolution and the potential for habitability beyond our planet.
Additional Insights
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The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission is a NASA project designed to study Mars' atmosphere and how it has changed over time. Launched in 2013, MAVEN orbits Mars, collecting data on its upper atmosphere, climate, and how solar wind affects it. Understanding these factors helps scientists learn why Mars, once possibly habitable, became a cold, dry desert. The mission aims to uncover the history of water and other essential elements on Mars, enhancing our knowledge of planetary atmospheres and the potential for life beyond Earth.