Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III – Science and Technology (Space Technology, Planetary Science)
Source: The Hindu ; National Aeronautics and Space Administration official mission updates; international science reports

Context: The United States space agency permanently lost communication with the Mars lander InSight after dust accumulation on its solar panels sharply reduced power generation. Following repeated failed contact attempts, the mission was formally declared retired.

About the InSight Mission: Launched in 2018, InSight was a stationary Mars lander dedicated to studying the interior of Mars, unlike rovers that focus on surface exploration. 

Its core payload was the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure, the first seismometer ever deployed on the Martian surface.

Major Scientific Contributions:

• Recorded more than 1,300 marsquakes, confirming that Mars is seismically active.
  
• Provided direct evidence of a liquid, iron-rich core and a thinner Martian crust than earlier estimates.
  
• Generated comparative data to understand the evolution of terrestrial planets, including Earth.
  
• Supplied long-term observations on Martian weather such as temperature, winds, pressure, and dust activity.

Reason for Mission End:  Mars experiences frequent dust storms. Dust buildup on solar panels reduced energy levels below operational limits, leading to mission termination.