NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, aimed at studying the impact of solar wind on Mars’ atmosphere, faced an unexpected delay on the launch pad due to a solar storm affecting conditions on Earth. The mission, which stands for Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE), was originally set for liftoff on a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket on November 12 but was rescheduled to November 13 due to a solar eruption that posed a risk of damaging the spacecraft.
Coronal mass ejections, massive eruptions from the sun’s surface releasing charged particles into space at high speeds, were responsible for the delay. These eruptions, one of which was directed towards Earth this week, led to a stunning display of auroras in the northern hemisphere on the night of November 11. While these celestial lights are a visual treat, the charged solar particles can disrupt spacecraft electronics, potentially causing malfunctions. This prompted the postponement of the ESCAPADE launch until the space storm subsided.
Ironically, ESCAPADE’s purpose is to investigate the effects of solar eruptions on Mars, where the atmosphere has significantly thinned over time, transforming the planet into a cold, arid world. The mission aims to shed light on the rapid atmospheric loss on Mars today and its potential implications for future human missions to the planet.
Researchers believe that Mars’ atmosphere dwindled due to factors such as dormant giant volcanoes and a weakened magnetic field that allowed solar wind to erode the atmosphere. This contrasts with Earth, which benefits from active volcanoes replenishing its atmosphere and a robust magnetic shield protecting it from solar activity.
Moreover, recent findings of a potent solar eruption on a distant star raise concerns about the fate of planets orbiting such stars, potentially losing their atmospheres. This discovery underscores the delicate balance of life in the universe amidst its violent forces, emphasizing Earth’s unique position as a haven for life.
