Absent a misfiring of its engines, while on the dark side of Mars (read: seems unlikely), it would stand to reason that the simplest explanation for these data packets would be. . . some random "strike", by a passing space rock -- likely at very high (relative) velocities. That would be enough to change its orbit, and put it into a "spin". And the spin will make it near impossible to re-establish communications and make a correcting / compensating engine burn.
In any event, we will keenly await more news, from NASA | JPL. Until then, here is that latest blog post, and a bit:
. . .Although no spacecraft telemetry has been received since Dec. 4, the team recovered a brief fragment of tracking data from Dec. 6 as part of an ongoing radio science campaign. Analysis of that signal suggests that the MAVEN spacecraft was rotating in an unexpected manner when it emerged from behind Mars. Further, the frequency of the tracking signal suggests MAVEN’s orbit trajectory may have changed. The team continues to analyze tracking data to understand the most likely scenarios leading to the loss of signal. Efforts to reestablish contact with MAVEN also continue. . . .
NASA is also working to mitigate the effect of the MAVEN anomaly on surface operations for NASA’s Perseverance and Curiosity rovers. Four orbiters at Mars, including MAVEN, relay communications to and from the surface to support rover operations. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, and ESA’s (European Space Agency’s) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter all remain operational. For the next two weeks of scheduled surface operations, NASA is arranging additional passes from the remaining orbiters, and the Perseverance and Curiosity teams have adjusted their daily planning activities to continue their science missions. . . .
Here's to hoping. But this lil' guy is likely. . . end of mission.
नमस्ते
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