NASA’s Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021, has made a stunning discovery: signs of life on the red planet. However, the life forms that the rover encountered are not alien, but human. And they are not scientists, but traders from China.
According to NASA, the rover was exploring the Jezero crater, where it was supposed to collect samples of rocks and soil that could contain traces of ancient microbial life. However, instead of finding fossils or organic molecules, the rover stumbled upon a makeshift market, where dozens of Chinese traders were selling various goods, such as clothes, electronics, toys, and souvenirs.
The rover captured images and videos of the market, which showed that the traders had set up tents, tables, and signs with Chinese characters and English translations. The traders were wearing spacesuits and helmets, and had oxygen tanks and solar panels. They also had vehicles that looked like modified rockets and rovers.
The rover also recorded audio of the traders, who were shouting and haggling with each other and with some customers. The customers were also wearing spacesuits and helmets, and had flags of different countries on their chests. They appeared to be tourists from Earth, who had come to Mars for sightseeing and shopping.
NASA was shocked and baffled by the discovery, and tried to contact the traders and the tourists through the rover’s microphone and speaker. However, the rover received no response, except for some angry gestures and curses.
“We have no idea how they got there, or what they are doing there,” said Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s associate administrator for science. “This is a serious violation of international law and space ethics. We are investigating this matter and will take appropriate actions.”
NASA said that it will suspend its scientific mission on Mars until it can resolve the situation. It also said that it will cooperate with other space agencies and governments to find out who is behind this unauthorized and illegal activity on Mars.