Organic salts on Mars hint at ancient microbial life on the Red Planet If the finding is confirmed, it would be some strong evidence pointing at ancient life on Mars. Reset NASA has announced that certain organic salts are “likely present” on Mars. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the salts were created by life on Mars (other processes can also produce the substances), it definitely makes it much likelier. This look back at a dune that NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover drove across was taken by the rover’s Mast Camera (Mastcam) on Feb. 9, 2014 – the 538th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity’s mission. Image credits: NASA / JPL.