NASA has confirmed the discovery of water on Mars, adding to the theory the planet once supported life.

NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander has identified water in a soil sample taken from Mars for the very first time.

The exciting discovery means scientists can now further investigate whether the planet previously – or could one day – support life.

The water was found in soil taken from a two-inch trench dug by Phoenix’s robotic arm.

The craft initially encountered problems taking the sample as it first hit a layer of frozen and sticky soil. However, the mission was later aided by the fact the sample was exposed to the air for two days, allowing some of the water to vaporise and making the soil easier to handle.

William Boynton of the University of Arizona, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA), enthused: “We have water. We’ve seen evidence for this water ice before in observations by the Mars Odyssey orbiter and in disappearing chunks observed by Phoenix last month, but this is the first time Martian water has been touched and tasted.”

Following the discovery, NASA’s mission has now been extended to run until 30 September, adding five weeks to the original schedule.

Michael Meyer, chief scientist for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington, added: “Phoenix is healthy and the projections for solar power look good, so we want to take full advantage of having this resource in one of the most interesting locations on Mars.”

Since first landing on 25 May 2008, Phoenix has been studying soil with a chemistry lab, TEGA, a microscope, a conductivity probe and cameras.

As well as confirming the presence of water, scientists are trying to determine whether water ice ever thaws enough to be available for biology and if carbon-containing chemicals and other raw materials for life are present on the planet.

For more information, visit www.nasa.gov

By Natasha Piscitelli