What does it take to search for signs of ancient life on Mars? NASA researchers head to Iceland’s Mars-like deserts, basalt formations, and glacial valleys to find out. This rugged landscape provides a rare opportunity to test the methods, tools, and scientific intuition that missions like Perseverance rely on. Through challenging hikes, unexpected weather, and long days of geologic detective work, the team refines approaches for identifying biosignatures, interpreting rock histories, and navigating terrains shaped by water, fire, and ice—just like Mars. In this video: • How Iceland’s geology reveals clues similar to ancient Martian environments • What scientists look for when searching for past life • Field techniques that shape Mars rover operations • How analogue testing influences future human exploration of Mars Why it matters: Understanding Mars requires building our scientific instincts here on Earth. By studying terrestrial environments that mirror Martian processes, researchers sharpen the strategies that guide rover missions today—and human missions tomorrow.