What has NASA discovered on Mars...?

[ddd999]

I'm guessing this (emphasis added):

"Perchlorates have been used as a medicine for more than 50 years to treat thyroid gland disorders. They are also used as an oxidizer in rocket fuel and can be found in airbags, fireworks, and Chilean fertilizers. Both potassium perchlorate (KClO<SUB>4</SUB>) and ammonium perchlorate (NH<SUB>4</SUB>ClO<SUB>4</SUB>) are used extensively within the pyrotechnics industry, whereas ammonium perchlorate is a component of solid rocket fuel. Lithium perchlorate, which decomposes exothermically to give oxygen, is used in oxygen "candles" on spacecraft, submarines and in other esoteric situations where a reliable backup or supplementary oxygen supply is needed."

Essentially it means manned missions to Mars just got 50% easier.

It all sounds very good, but can't say I'm not disappointed… damn my overactive imagination.

 

[fitzbew88]

CNN is writing it up as if the perchlorate discovery means that hopes of finding microbial life near the surface are now much dimmer.

Toxin found in Mars soil

We're going to wind up having to send a bulldozer and a front-end loader to get deep enough.

 

[fitzbew88]

Interesting results in an unscientific poll going on at CNN.com.

These were the results as of 1:35pm EDT today.

****
Do you think there's life on Mars?

Yes 17% 19,929
No 36% 43,651
Not now, but maybe in the past: 47% 57,191

Total Votes: 120,771

*****

 

[bsvalley]

They discovered oil. It's a bubbling crude, Black Gold, Texas Tea. Bush trying to get drilling rights.

Talk about your off shore drilling

 

[pixelsmith]

this place is becoming a joke.:frown: