Water on Mars
NASA scientists announced they have conclusive proof that water exists on Mars.1
A soil sample containing frozen water was recovered by the Mars Phoenix Lander in June 2008. The Phoenix had been conducting analysis of Martian soil since landing on the planet May 25, 2008. According to NASA, the mission of the Phoenix Lander was to find water on the planet. With this discovery, the mission has been extended for another month. Now that scientists know ice exists on Mars they want to find out if it melts.1
The extension of the mission will add an extra $2 million onto the $420 million original cost.2
Fast Facts
- Mars Phoenix Lander landed on Mars May 25, 20081
- Mission cost: $420 million1
- Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun
- Earth has launched 38 previous missions to explore Mars3
- Soil sample was tested in the Phoenix Lander's thermal analyzer1
- The Phoenix Lander transmits images and its findings back to scientists on Earth4
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