Scientists Advocate Preservation of Human Artifacts on Mars as Space Heritage

Researchers argue that debris from Mars missions holds archaeological value, representing humanity's first steps into interplanetary exploration.

A new paper in Nature Astronomy suggests that human artifacts on Mars, such as rovers, landers, and debris, should be preserved as part of an emerging archaeological record.
Professor Justin Holcomb of the University of Kansas highlights the historical importance of these items, likening them to ancient tools and relics that document human migration on Earth.
The study emphasizes that preserving these artifacts can help future generations understand humanity's initial ventures beyond Earth, while also urging mission planners to avoid damaging existing sites.
Examples of significant artifacts include the Soviet Mars 3 probe, the tracks of NASA's rovers, and China's Tianwen-1 lander, all of which contribute to a broader