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Either scenario, however, would reveal new details of Mars' evolution. "We've never actually sampled the ice. We've never been that far north," Arvidson said. Phoenix's science instruments will also hunt for organic molecules in the ice and soil. Organics, like water, are believed to be key for life to evolve. "We're not going to have life or conditions suitable to have life unless we can make organic compounds and conserve them," Arvidson said. Bird's Eye View In addition to the surface robots, Mars will be studied from on high as well. Three orbiters -- Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the European Space Agency's Mars Express -- are operating to photograph, map and chemically analyze the planet from the vantage point of space. In addition to geologic signs of water, such as dried channels and riverbeds, the orbiters have instruments to find minerals associated with the presence of water, such as clays. The information is helping scientists hone in on potential habitats for past or present-day life and lay the foundations for a sample return mission around 2020. In 2008, NASA will be narrowing down or even selecting a landing site for a sophisticated rover called Mars Science Laboratory that will analyze rocks and soil for signs of organic matter and environmental conditions suitable for life. MSL's launch is scheduled for 2009. Also in 2008, NASA will select an atmospheric monitoring probe, which may be able to pinpoint areas on the planet's surface that are emitting methane, a chemical, which on Earth, has strong associations with organic matter and life. "We're taking steps to efficiently explore this planet," Arvidson said. "By the end of the next decade, we'll have a much better understanding of the overall evolution of Mars and the role of water. If we're lucky, we may have evidence of past life or life today." Related Links: Irene Klotz's blog: Space Diary |
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