NASA retires InSight probe that studies earthquakes on Mars

After four more years on the mission, NASA’s InSight spacecraft is retiring. The last signal was received on December 15, 2022, according to the agency.

Inner Exploration Using Seismic Surveys, Geodesy and Heat Transfer (InSight) was sent to Mars in May 2018 to study the properties of the red planet’s deep interior surface and crust.

InSight was able to detect 1,319 during its mission. Martian earthquakesMartian earthquakes are caused not only by the natural movements of the planet, but also by meteor strikes.

The data produced by these geological entanglements has helped and will continue to help to understand the age of Mars and the composition of its crust, mantle and core.

But this information can predict Mars boundaries. By understanding the red planet, scientists can theorize about the formation and functioning of other rocky planets, including Earth itself.

Why has InSight retired?

Dust, that’s why. The probe was powered by solar panels that converted sunlight into electrical energy.

But despite measures to minimize damage caused by Martian dust, the panels have drastically reduced their energy production by gradually reducing their ability to capture sunlight.

While part of the system has been down since July, the investigation said its final farewell on December 15, 2022.

And so we say goodbye to the important probe that changed the way we observe and study Mars and the rocky planets: see you later InSight, and thanks for the fish!