Curiosity strikes water on Mars

The Curiosity Rover has found strong evidence of the past presence of water on Mars from an analysis of bedrock samples which it drilled out a couple of weeks ago. The powdered rock was analysed using the rover's onboard CheMin and SAM instruments to reveal the presence of sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and carbon, which are some of the key elements required for life. In addition, 20% of the rock is made up of clay minerals which are created from the reaction of water on igneous rocks which were also found in the sediment, such as olivine.

The location, within Gale Crater, also contains sulfate minerals and is thought to be at the end of ancient river system or what used to be an intermittently wet lake bed. "The range of chemical ingredients we have identified in the sample is impressive, and it suggests pairings such as sulfates and sulfides that indicate a possible chemical energy source for micro-organisms," said Paul Mahaffy, principal investigator of the SAM module.

These exciting results come after a frustrating period when progress was halted temporarily by a memory issue on the onboard computer, followed by a power down to protect the systems against a large solar storm. However, it has been worth the short wait.

"A fundamental question for this mission is whether Mars could have supported a habitable environment," said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program. "From what we know now, the answer is yes."

Another drill sample will be taken from the same spot to confirm the results and the rover will continue to explore the immediate area before moving to Mount Sharp to take a close look at exposed layers of rock, including more clay and sulfate minerals.

Image: The first sample of powdered rock extracted by the rover's drill. Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS