: In late 2025, the Perseverance rover identified minerals in the Bright Angel Formation that are closely associated with living microbes on Earth.
: The UK Space Agency has played a leading role in the development of the Sample Fetch Rover , which was originally intended to retrieve rock samples collected by Perseverance for return to Earth in the early 2030s. Cautionary Perspectives Life on Mars (UK)
The exploration of Mars is a major scientific endeavor with significant contributions from British researchers and institutions. While conclusive evidence of life has yet to be found, recent discoveries have provided the strongest indicators to date of potential ancient microbial existence. : In late 2025, the Perseverance rover identified
British expertise is central to current and upcoming Mars missions: : In late 2025