Rover detects water bound up in soil

There is a surprising amount of water bound up in the soil of Mars, according to an analysis done onboard the US space agency's (Nasa) Curiosity rover.

When it heated a small pinch of dirt scooped up from the ground, the most abundant vapour detected was H2O.

Curiosity researcher Laurie Leshin, external and colleagues tell Science Magazine that Mars' dusty red covering holds about 2% by weight of water - a potential resource for future astronaut explorers.

Dr Leshin spoke to Science In Action's Jon Stewart about the rover's investigations.