Methane is yet another key factor that affects life. Predominantly, methane is an organic chemical compound that is associated with life forms on Earth (also known as a "biosignature"). Scientists from Earth discovered miniscule traces of methane in Mars' atmosphere, which might suggest the presence of bacteria on the Red Planet. However, this assumption is extremely dubious given the tiny amounts and instability of Mars' methane. Moreover, according to Aarhus University's Mars Simulation Lab, wind erosion on Mars ionizes methane into other chemical compounds which eventually leads to the creation of toxic oxygen chemicals like peroxides. Presence of such chemicals minimizes any chances for Martian life existence close to or beneath the planet's surface. On the other hand, methane is also known as a "clean fuel". It generates energy in the form of heat when ignited through oxidative pyrolysis, with efficiency level higher than those of oil, gas or coal. Although Mars' atmosphere lacks methane, the Red Planet is abundant in other elements that can be used to obrain this precious fuel. Using the Sabatier process, you can combine carbon dioxide with hydrogen at elevated pressure and temperature, in the presence of Nickel catalyst, to start an exothermic reaction, which will leave you with methane and water.
