Strange deposits of rocket fuel were found there
Previously, the American Phoenix spacecraft, now operating in northern Martian latitudes, brought only good news. First I saw ice. Then I discovered that the local soil is close in composition to the earth's - even plant cucumbers. And finally, I found water - the basis of life. Evaporated from moisture-soaked soil.
But here's the bad news: Analysis of one of the samples taken from the surface showed that it contains perchlorate. It is a strong oxidizing agent capable of destroying all life.
“If perchlorate is of Martian origin, then it’s pointless to look for life on this planet,” says NASA spokesman Barry GOLDSTEIN. - The substance is capable of destroying even traces of it.
But the verdict is inconclusive. There are samples in which no oxidizing agent was found.
Researchers have to understand how perchlorate was formed on Mars. Why in some places it was deposited, but not in others. And check if it was brought from the Earth. After all, this oxidizer is one of the components of rocket fuel. But how did you get into the ground? After all, "Phoenix" landed by parachute.
NASA, of course, dismisses the hypothesis that someone had specially treated the planet with toxic chemicals. Or flew off her on rockets.