The failed British mission to Mars back in 2003, Beagle 2, came excruciatingly close to success -  according to a new study. A series of pictures and analysis have been conducted indicating that Beagle 2 didn't crash-land on Mars and suggesting that it may even have worked for the several months but was just unable to send any if its data back to Earth. 

According to Professor Mark Sims of Leicester University said that there's an extremely small possibility that the probe may have worked for a hundred of days now and it might be still be working today on the Martian Surface. He explained that the probe may have worked for a hundred of days, depending on how much dust has been deposited on the solar panels. He clarifies that he doubted the idea that the probe is still working.

According to BBC, one of the UK scientists who worked on the Beagle 2 mission, Dr. Manish Patel of Open University said that if the probe went into the surface operation mode, it might have continued in performing the initial pre-programmed operations and happily taking data but it turned out to be very lonely time for the lander.

Beagle 2 Spacecraft departed and off to Martian Surface on Christmas Day in 2003. The mission was led by that late Professor Colin Pillinger. The probe is efficient in collecting soil samples and analyzing for any signs of organic molecules in a miniaturized onboard laboratory. No signal was ever received on Christmas Day, the search for a response has been continued for months but there's no response until then.

On 2014, NASA'S MRO (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter) found Beagle 2 in the Martian surface and took pictures and in which it indicates that the probe landed as planned and the three solar panels had opened. The Sun reported that it was confirmed by Nick Higget and his colleague at De Montfort University that Beagle 2 has successfully deployed three of its solar panels.

Mr. Higget said that the results will benefit the future missions to Mars and may it help to solve the long-held mystery. Professor Sims then said that they succeeded in many elements and the communications just didn't work and didn't get the science back.

The new study suggests that the Beagle 2 fell at the very final hurdle and is unable to send and receive any further instructions from Earth. It might have caused by the 4th solar panel that may have partially opened and appeared that it shielded the radio antenna and the receiver might have malfunctioned. Another possible reason is the internal electrical system appeared damaged by the heavy landing.

Dr. Patel says that he is incredibly proud of the Beagle 2 team as it came so close and relieved to know that the probe is still intact and is ready to do some great science.