[citicroego]

Why is it that every article I read that is concerned with the whole "Life on Mars" saga, there is always this unending assumption that "life" means exactly what it does on earth?

I read this article a few minutes ago, it seems to be saying that they believe there is water on Mars and therefore the potential to send astronauts there, the assumption being that the "water" would contain Hydrogen and Oxygen, therefore they could develop rocket fuel.

Am I being an idiot, or is there a remote possibility that this water is not actually "water" as we know it, and sending a manned mission to Mars with the idea that he may be able to get back again is just sending this poor guy to an untimely death?

The same applies to numerous other articles containing the idea that any life beyond earth absolutely MUST adhere to OUR "building blocks" of life... I think this is absurd and totally niave, hmmm, maybe its just me? [help]