Jesús Martínez Frías
Planetary geologist and astrobiologist at the IGEO (CSIC-UCM). Academician of the Royal Academies of Sciences and Doctors of Spain. President of the Planetary Geology Commission of the Geological Society of Spain and of the Spanish Network of Planetology and Astrobiology.
This is a very interesting and scientifically coherent study, from both the point of view of the geology of Mars and its astrobiological implications.
Methodologically, it is based on solid techniques and data. This research complements previous studies very well.
The existence of surface and subsurface ice on Mars is not new, but this research accurately details new data on MFF materials, emphasising and quantifying the presence of ice layers. Obviously, it would be important to confirm the properties of the ice and the materials with which it is mixed in situ.
The presence of ice is not only important as an element of habitability for the possible existence of micro-organisms, but also as a natural habitability resource for future manned missions.