Now that we know water exist on Mars....

Question

what happens next?

Is there a way to turn that water into carbon dioxide so we can plant vegetation on Mars? Once the vegetation starts to grow then they will start producing oxygen.

Anyways, what's the next possible step for Mars?

Answer 1

Many believe there is already vegetation on mars, such as trees etc, it is confirmed that there is H20, and there could very much be an atmosphere.

Answer 2

No, you can't turn H2O into CO2. You can, however, turn it into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), a combination frequently used as rocket fuel. The Martian atmosphere is already mostly carbon dioxide (CO2), but very thin, so plants could not be grown there except inside a pressurized dome or something. The CO2 in Mars' atmosphere can also be reacted with the hydrogen from water to make methane (CH4), and more oxygen. Methane would be a really useful fuel for rovers, aircraft, and rockets.

Answer 3

Yes they think they can send something similar to a giant mirror to reflect more sunshine on to the Martian North and South Pole to melt the ice and the vapors would build up the atmosphere. (Oh and very good question)

Answer 4

Now that NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander is settled in on the arctic plains of Mars, taking pictures and starting to gather samples, space agencies all over the world are planning and building the next robots and gadgets they plan to send to probe the mysteries of the red planet.

NASA plans to waste no time in getting back to Mars after Phoenix finishes its three-month mission. By September or October of next year, launch is set for the Mars Science Laboratory, a beefed-up rover that will further explore the Martian surface (it will be the largest vehicle ever sent to Mars).

And Americans won't be the only ones visiting the red planet: The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently working on its own rover, dubbed ExoMars, which would be equipped to scout out signs of past or present life on Mars. The Chinese and Russian space agencies are also collaborating on a mission to the planet's asteroid-like moon, Phobos.

Answer 5

Scientists believe life on earth began in the water. Maybe it does on Mars. But, regardless, NASA plans to colonize Mars.

Remember, not all life forms require water. Some life forms on earth will die in the presence of water.

Answer 6

We have no idea how much exists.  We have no idea if it exists in amounts that could be exploited.  We do know that if it is exposed it will sublimate and it will eventually be lost to space.  It is possible that if water exists in exploitable amounts, a viable Martian base would cease to be impossible and become only nearly impossible.  But it would be just as useless and just as potentially deadly for any astronauts.  In the past I have recommended using a hammer to kill astronauts.  Its cheaper than sending them millions of miles away to die on Mars.  And its much more humane too.  I think I deserve some sort of humanitarian reward for this concept.