Geologists Discover Near-Surface Ice at Multiple Mars Landing Sites

Multiple research teams have identified near-surface water ice in the Amazonis Planitia region of Mars, particularly at candidate landing sites AP-1, AP-8, and AP-9 in the planet's northern mid-latitudes. These sites exhibit geomorphological features such as softened craters, polygonal cracks, and brain terrain, all indicative of ice less than one meter below the surface, accessible for in situ resource utilization (ISRU). The availability of water ice near the surface is critical for future human missions, as it can supply drinking water, oxygen, fuel, and other life support resources, thereby reducing spacecraft launch weight and mission costs. The mid-latitude location offers a balance of sufficient sunlight for power generation and cold conditions that preserve the ice, making it an ideal landing zone. These findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, also highlight the potential for biomarker preservation in the ice, aiding the search for ancient Martian life and informing future exploration of icy moons in the outer solar system. High-resolution orbital imagery from instruments like HiRISE was instrumental in these discoveries, underscoring the importance of remote sensing in planetary exploration.