According to the analysis of data sent by the Chorong rover spacecraft, indications of water were detected in mineral samples dating back only 700 million years, the scientists said in a research paper published Wednesday in the journal (Science Advances).
It is believed that Mars had water three billion years ago when its second geological age, known as the Hesperian period, ended. In the current Amazonian era, there is no water on the surface of Mars.
The Chinese scientists added that the mineral-containing soil found in the samples Churong collected has a hard crust that may have formed from rising groundwater or melting ice that has since evaporated.
The Chorong spacecraft has moved regarding two kilometers from its landing site and has been collecting data since it reached Mars in May last year.
