AI Insight
Scientists from the Planetary Science Institute have created new global maps showing the predicted locations of subsurface water ice on Mars, with a focus on regions near the equator where future human missions are more likely to land. Two research papers led by Hanna Sizemore and Samuel Courville use statistical methods to quantify the certainty of water ice presence in different locations and identify what additional missions and instruments would be needed to improve map accuracy.
Why it matters
Access to water ice near Mars' equatorial regions would be crucial for future human exploration, providing resources for drinking water, oxygen production, and rocket fuel without requiring astronauts to operate in the extreme conditions near the polar regions. These maps will help NASA select landing sites that balance operational feasibility with access to essential water resources.
Understand the Science
We know Mars has water ice in its polar regions, but astronauts (and their solar-powered equipment!) would much rather experience life closer to Mars’ equator. As NASA looks toward landing humans on the red planet, the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) is mapping where water should and shouldn’t be found and using statistics to quantify its certainty. Two new papers, led by PSI’s Hanna Sizemore and Samuel Courville, highlight new global maps of subsurface water ice and identify the missions and tools needed to increase the certainty of the maps.
Source: Laying odds on the potential for Martian water near future landing zones