On July 31 laboratory tests aboard the Phoenix lander confirmed the existence of water in a Martian soil sample. The evidence came from vapors produced by the heating of the sample in an oven onboard the lander. Tentative evidence of water had previously been seen by the Mars Odyssey orbiter as well as disappearing chunks of white material in the soil below Phoenix early this summer.
Because of the success of the mission and overall good health of the spacecraft systems, the Phoenix mission has been extended an additional five week. Funding will now extend through September 30.
Additional information can be found on the mission website phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu.