MAVEN carries a suite of eight scientific instruments to study the Martian atmosphere. These include:
* Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS): Measures the composition and structure of the upper atmosphere.
* Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS): Measures the composition and density of neutral and ionized gases in the atmosphere.
* Magnetometer (MAG): Measures the magnetic field around Mars.
* Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA): Measures the properties of solar wind electrons.
* Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA): Measures the properties of solar wind ions.
* Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW): Measures the electrical potential of the Martian atmosphere.
* Suprathermal and Thermal Ion Composition (STATIC): Measures the composition of ions in the upper atmosphere.
* Radio Science (RS): Uses radio waves to study the structure of the Martian atmosphere and ionosphere.
MAVEN's science objectives include:
* Determining the composition and structure of the Martian atmosphere.
* Understanding the processes that drive atmospheric escape from Mars.
* Determining the role of the Martian atmosphere in climate change on Mars.
* Assessing the potential for past or present life on Mars.
MAVEN is expected to operate for at least one Mars year (about 687 Earth days). The mission may be extended if it continues to return valuable scientific data.
MAVEN is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, which is a long-term effort to explore Mars and understand its history, geology, and climate. The program has included a number of missions, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Curiosity rover, and the InSight lander.
