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Published online 27 January 2006 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news060123-12

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Mars attack!

Red planet under fire in proposed mission.

Scientists have had a smashing idea that could help them explore beneath Mars's dusty surface. Slamming a hefty chunk of copper into the planet should excavate enough material to reveal water ice or carbon-based chemicals lurking underground, according to a proposed NASA mission.

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