Mars Facts
Everything you need to know about the Red Planet — in bite-sized form.
Atmosphere is 95% Carbon Dioxide
The Martian atmosphere is composed of approximately 95.3% carbon dioxide, 2.7% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, and trace amounts of oxygen and water vapor. This makes it unbreathable for humans without life support.
Dust Storms Can Engulf the Entire Planet
Mars experiences regional and occasionally planet-wide dust storms that can persist for months. The 2018 global dust storm blanketed the entire planet and caused NASA's Opportunity rover to lose power permanently after 15 years of operation.
MOXIE Proved Oxygen Can Be Made on Mars
In April 2021, NASA's MOXIE aboard Perseverance produced 5.37 grams of oxygen from the Martian atmosphere — enough for roughly 10 minutes of breathing. It proved the technology that could supply both air and rocket propellant for future missions.