A second test of soil extracted from the surface of Mars by the Phoenix Lander suggests the existence of perchlorate, a highly oxidizing salt, that would create a harsh environment for plant life contrary to an earlier analysis that said the martian soil could sustain plants such as asparagus, green beans and turnips.
On Earth perchlorate is a main ingredient in solid rocket fuel and can be found in fireworks, pyrotechnics and other explosives. Scientists are considering the possibility that the substance could have gotten there by contamination before launch, however Phoenix used another fuel, hydrazine, to power its thrusters during it's journey to Mars.
"it is a reactive compound. It's not usually considered an ingredient for life," said Brown University geologist John Mustard.
Discovery Channel article here.
On Earth perchlorate is a main ingredient in solid rocket fuel and can be found in fireworks, pyrotechnics and other explosives. Scientists are considering the possibility that the substance could have gotten there by contamination before launch, however Phoenix used another fuel, hydrazine, to power its thrusters during it's journey to Mars.
"it is a reactive compound. It's not usually considered an ingredient for life," said Brown University geologist John Mustard.
Discovery Channel article here.
