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The ASPERA-3 device (Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms) was created to study the interaction between the solar wind and the Martian atmosphere.   ASPERA-3 will be traveling on the Mars Express due to launch in June of 2003.

      The studies to be performed by ASPERA-3 are designed to address certain fundamental questions:

	How strongly do the interplanetary plasma and electromagnetic fields affect the Martian atmosphere?
	Where did the Martian water go?
	Is the water lost or simply frozen?
	If the water is lost, what enabled its escape?
	If the water is frozen, where is this tremendous amount of water  stored?

Since liquid water is the fundamental requirement for life, a clear understanding of the fate of the Martian water supply is crucial in resolving the mystery of whether life ever existed on Mars.