Global Mars Missions Temporarily Lose Contact Due to Solar Conjunction

Mars at its Farthest Point from Earth; Direct Radio Communications Expected to Resume by November 25

Space agencies around the world have temporarily lost contact with their Mars missions due to the solar conjunction of Mars, where the red planet is on the opposite side of the sun to Earth.
The solar conjunction also sees Mars at its farthest point from Earth—about 234 million miles (376 million kilometers) distant.
The sun interferes with radio signals during this period, making communications difficult and potentially causing spacecraft and rovers to behave erratically.
The Mars fleet, including rovers and orbiters from NASA, the China National Space Administration, the European Space Agency, and the United Arab Emirates, will operate autonomously during the communications blackout.
The effect of the Mars solar conjunction will wear off by November 25, allowing direct radio communications to be re-established.