This Mars Orbiter Is Finally Getting A Software Update From Windows 98

The MARSIS instrument works by firing low-frequency radio waves at the surface of Mars. Some of these waves bounce off the surface, while others travel deeper — and some of these bounce off layers below, like ice or rock. This lets scientists get a view of what is beneath the Martian surface without having to actually visit the surface or dig anything up. This instrument is particularly useful for looking for signs of water on Mars. There isn’t any liquid water on the surface of Mars, but there is thought to be water beneath the surface, like large saltwater lakes beneath the ice at the planet’s south pole. This was one of Mars Express’ major findings back in 2018.

Finding water is important for two reasons: firstly because it’s a useful resource for any future humans who might visit the planet, and secondly because it could help pinpoint locations on Mars where there could once have been life. With its upgrades, Mars Express will now be able to investigate signals from liquid water beneath the surface in more detail. “The new software will help us more quickly and extensively study these regions in high resolution and confirm whether they are home to new sources of water on Mars,” said Colin Wilson, an ESA Mars Express scientist. “It really is like having a brand new instrument on board Mars Express almost 20 years after launch.”