Exploring Mars

It is thought that Mars, our nearest planetary neighbour, will supply a number of answers to the questions we still have about the formation of the solar system, the Earth, and possibly the origins of life. Any conclusive evidence we may find of the presence of life elsewhere in the universe will have very great scientific and social consequences.

Canada has already played a significant role in the exploration of Mars. NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander carrying Canada's meteorological station successfully touched down on the Red Planet on May 25, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. EDT.

The Phoenix mission is a showcase for Canadian technology and scientific expertise and will inspire Canadians of all ages to learn more about science and technology.

Teachers will find excellent resources on the CSA web site - MISSION TO MARS - Working and Living in a Closed Environment.

A Canadian vision

Canada aims to play a major role in scientific missions to Mars in the future. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is presently consulting with the Canadian scientific community and Canadian industry, as well as with its international partners, to determine how Canadian technology and expertise could contribute to the exploration of Mars.

Mars is very similar to Earth and has undergone changes that may help us understand the evolution of our own planet. The exploration of Mars can provide clues about the formation of the Solar System and about geological and atmospheric phenomena also occurring here on Earth.

Scientists wish to learn more about Mars's climate and geology. They also want to prepare the way for human exploration in a foreseeable future. And they would like to answer the most intriguing question of all: is there, or was there ever, life on Mars?

Finding life elsewhere in the Solar System would be of the highest scientific importance. It would also have fascinating philosophical implications and a profound impact on human society.

Since the surface of planet Mars is most likely sterile due to high levels of radiation, surveys for traces of life forms and fossils should be done below the surface, in areas protected from radiation. Some scientists also hope to find ice or permafrost under the surface. Canada's expertise in space robotics and mining technologies could thus offer key contributions to Mars exploration missions in coming years.

This proposed mission would not be exclusively Canadian, but it would be "distinctly Canadian" and would feature Canadian ideas, technologies and expertise, in collaboration with our international partners. It would also be science-driven, and would fill a void in the international Mars exploration strategy.

Canada's involvement in future missions to Mars will challenge us to discover new technologies and new ways of doing things. It will inspire Canadian youth, Canadian scientists and Canadian industry, stimulate our thinking and lead us to explore innovative new possibilities, and develop applications which may prove very useful and profitable here on Earth.