NASA | MAVEN: NASA's Next Mission to Mars

The video discusses the early environment of Mars, which was once warmer and wetter with a thicker atmosphere. It explores how Mars' atmosphere may have been lost to space due to solar winds and storms, a process that the MAVEN spacecraft is set to study. MAVEN's mission involves measuring the solar wind and its effects on Mars' atmosphere to understand the planet's climate change. The video also covers the construction, testing, and launch preparations of the MAVEN spacecraft, highlighting its role in exploring Mars' habitability and atmospheric evolution.

What was the climate like on early Mars compared to today?

• It was completely covered in ice.

• It was similar to Earth's current climate.

• It had a thicker atmosphere and was warmer.

• It was colder and drier.

What is believed to have caused the loss of Mars' atmosphere over time?

• Volcanic eruptions on Mars.

• Impact from asteroids.

• Solar wind and solar storms.

• Internal cooling of the planet.

What is the primary mission of the MAVEN spacecraft?

• To explore the surface of Mars.

• To search for life on Mars.

• To map the entire Martian surface.

• To study the Martian atmosphere and its loss to space.

Which company built the MAVEN spacecraft?

• Lockheed Martin

• Boeing

• NASA

• SpaceX

What is the significance of the MAVEN mission in terms of planetary habitability?

• It will determine if Mars can support human life.

• It will help understand the factors that make a planet habitable.

• It will find new planets in the solar system.

• It will terraform Mars for future colonization.

How long is the MAVEN mission expected to last on Mars?

• Five Earth years

• One Earth year

• Ten Earth years

• Two Earth years

What is the expected duration of MAVEN's journey to Mars?

• 6 months

• 10 months

• 1 year

• 2 years