Scientists: Martian Soil May Be Harsh To Life. research mars NASA. NASA's Phoenix spacecraft has detected the presence of a chemically reactive salt in the Martian soil, a finding that if confirmed could make it less friendly to potential life than once believed.....

of the Martian winter will not arrive until June, 2008, Spirit is already needing all of the energy it is receiving from the distant sun to keep its heaters active. This heat protects its vulnerable components from the coldest Martian nights, which can sink...

Lander has identified water, a requirement for life as we know it, in a soil sample. Heating of samples and resulting vapor led scientists to conclude that it has touched Martian water for the first time. A group led by William Boynton of the University of...

took 10 months to cover), the Phoenix spacecraft parachuted softly to the surface of Mars at 7:53pm (Eastern time) on Sunday May 25. Phoenix sped through the Martian atmosphere at speeds of 12,000 mph with temperatures on its heat shield reaching 2,600 degrees...

landing of the Phoenix spacecraft. At 7.53pm (Eastern time) on Sunday, Phoenix parachuted softly to the surface of Mars. The spacecraft sped through the Martian atmosphere at speeds of 12,000 mph with temperatures on its heat shield reaching 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit....