# MAVEN

> Martian orbiter operated by NASA

**Wikidata**: [Q327075](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q327075)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAVEN)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maven

## Summary
MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) is a NASA spacecraft and planetary probe designed to orbit Mars. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and launched in 2013, its mission focuses on investigating the Martian upper atmosphere and the planet's climate evolution. The orbiter operates in a highly elliptical orbit and is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Planetary probe and Orbiter targeting Mars.
- **Launch Date**: November 18, 2013, at 18:28:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401 (AV-038), launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
- **Orbital Insertion**: September 22, 2014.
- **Mass**: 2,454 kg (launch weight); 809 kg (dry weight).
- **Dimensions**: 11.43 meters in length (including solar arrays); 2.29 meters wide; 3.47 meters high.
- **Orbit Profile**: Highly elliptical orbit with a periapsis of 150 km and an apoapsis of 6,000 km.
- **Cost**: Approximately 366.8 million USD (covering research, development, and construction as of 2014).
- **Current Leadership**: Principal Investigator Shannon Curry (since August 31, 2021).

## FAQs
### Q: What does MAVEN stand for?
A: MAVEN stands for **M**ars **A**tmosphere and **V**olatile **Ev**olution. It is also known by alternative names such as Mars Scout 2.

### Q: Who operates and manages the MAVEN spacecraft?
A: While NASA is the funder, the spacecraft is operated by **Lockheed Martin Space**. Project management is handled by NASA's **Goddard Space Flight Center**, and science administration is managed by the **Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics** (LASP).

### Q: When did MAVEN arrive at Mars?
A: MAVEN performed its orbit insertion maneuver on **September 22, 2014**. It completed its commissioning phase and began its primary science mission on November 16, 2014.

### Q: What power sources does MAVEN use?
A: The spacecraft is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and utilizes two lithium-ion batteries for energy storage.

## Why It Matters
MAVEN plays a critical role in planetary science as a dedicated observatory for the Martian atmosphere. Unlike surface rovers that focus on geology or soil chemistry, MAVEN investigates the upper atmosphere to understand how Mars lost its once-dense atmosphere and liquid water. By studying the rate of atmospheric escape, scientists can model the planet's climate history and assess its past potential for habitability.

The mission represents a significant collaboration between NASA, academic institutions like LASP, and private industry (Lockheed Martin). Its continued operation provides essential data on solar wind interaction and atmospheric dynamics, serving as a key component of NASA's Mars Exploration Program. The transition of its leadership to Shannon Curry in 2021 also highlights the ongoing evolution and longevity of the mission, which remains active in a highly elliptical orbit that allows it to sample both the upper atmosphere and the near-space environment.

## Notable For
- **Specific Mission Focus**: Dedicated to studying the Martian upper atmosphere and the history of its climate, rather than surface imaging or geology.
- **Highly Elliptical Orbit**: Its operational orbit ranges from 150 km to 6,000 km, allowing it to dip into the atmosphere to take direct measurements while retreating to cool down.
- **Leadership Transition**: The mission saw a notable change in leadership in 2021, moving from founding Principal Investigator Bruce Jakosky to Shannon Curry.
- **Future Event Logging**: Mission data projects a scheduled or expected loss of signal event on December 6, 2025.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
MAVEN was constructed by **Lockheed Martin Space** and launched with a mass of **2,454 kilograms**. The spacecraft's primary structure measures **2.29 meters** in width and **3.47 meters** in height. When its two solar arrays are deployed, the total length of the vehicle extends to **11.43 meters**. The scientific payload accounts for **65 kilograms** of the total mass.

The probe's power systems include two solar arrays and a dual lithium-ion battery system, ensuring sustained operations throughout its mission lifecycle. It was launched aboard an **Atlas V 401** vehicle, provided by United Launch Alliance.

### Mission Timeline
*   **November 18, 2013**: MAVEN launches from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
*   **September 22, 2014**: The spacecraft successfully enters orbit around Mars.
*   **November 16, 2014**: Following a commissioning period, MAVEN officially enters service and begins its primary science mission.
*   **August 31, 2021**: Leadership of the mission is transferred to Principal Investigator Shannon Curry.
*   **December 6, 2025**: Significant event noted in mission data regarding a loss of signal.

### Operational Management
The mission is funded by the **National Aeronautics and Space Administration** (NASA). Operational duties are distributed among several entities: **Lockheed Martin Space** is responsible for spacecraft operations; **Goddard Space Flight Center** provides project management; and the **Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics** (LASP) handles science administration.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/maven.htm)
2. [Source](https://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/about/spacecraft/)
3. [Source](https://pds-atmospheres.nmsu.edu/data_and_services/atmospheres_data/MAVEN/logs/Mission%20and%20spacecraft%20description.pdf)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/mars/maven/140921moi/)
6. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/maven/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/2014/11/17/maven-completes-commissioning-and-begins-its-primary-science-mission/)
9. [Source](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasas-loses-contact-with-maven-mars-orbiter-on-the-far-side-of-the-red-planet)
10. [Source](https://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/files/2012/11/MAVEN-HQ_FactSheet.pdf)
11. [Source](https://www.planetary.org/space-policy/maven-cost)
12. [Source](https://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/science/science-orbit/)
13. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)
14. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/nasa-mars-mission-begins-a-new-chapter-of-science-with-a-new-leader/)