Mars reservoir discovery boosts hopes for future missions
New data from MARSIS indicate the existence of a massive water reservoir beneath the surface of Mars, which could, in theory, cover the planet with a 10-foot layer of water.
According to the Interesting Engineering portal, the latest research conducted by the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS) reveals a substantial water reservoir beneath the Martian surface in the Medusae Fossae region. Scientists suggest that its volume is comparable to that of the Red Sea.
New discoveries on Mars
Thomas Watters, the lead author of the study from the Smithsonian Institution, emphasizes that the new data indicate a much greater depth for the reservoir, reaching up to 2.3 miles.
The Medusae Fossae Formation has long intrigued scientists due to its size and unusual composition. This formation, stretching over hundreds of miles, acts as a transition between the northern lowlands and southern highlands of Mars. Previous observations suggested the presence of ice, but it has only now been confirmed.
The significance for future missions
Colin Wilson from ESA highlights that the discovery of ice in Mars' equatorial region could be strategically crucial for future manned missions. Water on Mars could be used for producing oxygen, drinking water, and even fuel, thereby reducing reliance on supplies from Earth.
This discovery not only opens up new possibilities for exploration but also provides significant insights into Mars' climatic past. The presence of deep ice deposits in the equatorial region suggests that Mars might once have had a much wetter environment.
