Trapped NASA rover finds more evidence of water on Mars

by Steven Mostyn - Oct 29 2010, 09:32

Ordinarily, you’d think NASA would be distraught at the prospect of losing one of its hugely expensive surface-roving Mars probes. However, having its disabled Spirit rover quite literally stuck in the mud has provided the U.S. space administration with invaluable evidence regarding the existence of water on the distant Red Planet.

Trapped since 2009, Spirit passed the time ahead of the energy-sapping Martian winter by examining the dirt churned beneath its useless wheelbase, revealing stratified layers that contain interestingly different compositions.

After examining the findings, scientific researchers suggest this layering was formed by thin films of water seeping into the surface over long periods of time from melting frost or even snow.

“Once you freeze that evidence in a rock, it can stay there for a long time,” outlined Bruce Banerdt, project scientist connected to NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover project, regarding the discovery. “But you don’t expect to maintain evidence in loose dirt for long periods of time.”

Unable to reposition itself to capture vital energy via its solar panels, the Spirit rover stopped sending data back to Earth in March of 2010. However, NASA is crossing its fingers that the vehicle will awaken and resume analysis in November when the Martian spring finally rolls around.

Spirit’s progress across the Red Planet came to a sudden halt in May of 2009 when it became embedded in soft soil on the edge of the Troy crater. It’s twin Opportunity remains operational.

The research team’s complete report can be read in the Journal of Geophysical Research.

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