> Water is, of course, plentiful, albeit in the wrong phase of matter.
Well, since they mention that water as ice is actually abundant[1], it's probably good for testing out strategies for harvesting and purifying water effectively and reliably at the same time they are dealing with the other problems.
1: From the article: Water is a mix of hydrogen and oxygen and is abundant in the form of ice mixed into the top meter of the Martian regolith. Around the equator and up to 60° latitude it varies in concentration from 2-18% but further north and south it’s in even higher concentrations, reaching 100% at the north pole.
Well, since they mention that water as ice is actually abundant[1], it's probably good for testing out strategies for harvesting and purifying water effectively and reliably at the same time they are dealing with the other problems.
1: From the article: Water is a mix of hydrogen and oxygen and is abundant in the form of ice mixed into the top meter of the Martian regolith. Around the equator and up to 60° latitude it varies in concentration from 2-18% but further north and south it’s in even higher concentrations, reaching 100% at the north pole.