EUROPEAN SPACE OPERATIONS CENTRE (ESOC)
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Darmstadt in the Federal Republic of Germany.



Water in the form of ice exposed at the edge of Mars's southern polar cap
has been discovered, according to
ESOC research. There is evidence that the surface water ice in this area may
be
widespread - from a two kilometres to ten kilometres around the entire
southern polar ice cap.

ESOC space scientists have announced their discovery and that they are
delighted with the success of the European Space Agency's probe Mars
Express.
Although it has long been known for a while that water ice should be present
in the southern polar region of Mars, until recently little evidence for it
had been found. Previously, surface water ice had been documented on the
northern polar cap of Mars, but this is the first time exposed water ice has
been documented on the southern polar cap by a reliable source of data.

"We are looking at the distinct possibility that considerable amounts of
water exist over the entire region of the polar caps" said Information
Officer Dr.Gustav Buttelmans. "Measuring the amount of water and it's
distribution is important for any future plans for the further exploration
of Mars. We may yet detect water ice clouds. The presence of a functioning
Mars rover in this region has become absolutely essential. Water ice that is
present in the surface soil will be extremely important, especially if
recoverable in significant quantities".


ESOC and the European Space Agency provides reliable scientific
information, to coordinate space and space-science projects of the member
states of the European Union; assess risks from natural disasters; and to
enhance and protect our quality of life.