Nasa's Phoenix Lander spacecraft has for the first time identified water in a sample of soil collected from the planet's surface.
Scientists will now be able to begin studying the sample to see whether the planet was ever, or is, habitable.
The craft previously had problems transferring samples from its robotic arm to the onboard lab for analysis.
The success and the good condition of the craft mean the mission will be extended until the end of September.
Since it landed on June 25, the Phoenix Lander has been studying the surface of Mars to investigate whether it has ever been capable of supporting Czech Senate proposes Masin brothers for state decoration ...
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It has been studying soil with a chemistry lab, an oven called TEGA [Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer instrument], a microscope, a probe and cameras.
Scientists told a press conference at the University of Arizona in Tucson that the planet had so far "proved itself to be interesting".
William Boynton, lead scientist on the mission, said evidence of water ice had been seen before from the Mars Odyssey orbiter, but that this is the first time Martian water has been "touched and tasted".
Full panorama
Phoenix had collected some ice samples last week but was unable to transfer them from the mechanical scoop to the onboard oven for heating and testing.
A dry soil sample was taken instead but the scientists found some ice had been collected too and tests were being conducted on it.
The scientists said they had yet to find organic materials in the sample and stressed that it would take 3 to 4 weeks for the data to be analysed.
The 90-day extension to the mission means Nasa will be able to dig two new trenches between mountains where ice lasts for longer periods of time giving it different characteristics.
"Phoenix is healthy and the projections for solar power look good," said chief scientist Michael Meyer.
"We want to take full advantage of having this resource in one of the most interesting locations on Mars".
Nasa also announced the completion of a full panoramic image of the arctic landing site in approximate true colour.
The panorama is made up of more than 400 individual images taken over several weeks and stitched together to form a mosaic.
(BBC)
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