A recent study by NASA suggests that sunlight could reach the layer of water ice beneath the surface of Mars, potentially allowing photosynthesis in the meltwater and supporting life.
Exploration of Mars by space probes began in the 1960s, focusing on the hunt for water and analysis of the planet's climate and geology.
While there has been no evidence of life on Mars so far, the discovery of ancient dried river beds and organic molecules indicate that Mars was once warmer and wetter, making it a potentially habitable place for primitive life.
NASA researchers used computer modeling to show that sunlight can penetrate the Martian water ice, warming and melting it in shallow pools of meltwater, creating a possibly habitable environment for simple forms of life.