Nobody knows why lakes should exist under the largest body of ice on the planet. The glaciers began to close over the continent 40 million years ago. Some geologists argue that volcanic heat could be providing the energy for unusual forms of life. The voyage of discovery will take years. NASA scientists regard the project as a rehearsal for the exploration of the ocean of Jupiter's moon, Europa, another mysterious body of water, trapped under miles of ice.
Life depends on water, and Mars once had rivers but is now arid.
They expect to learn valuable lessons from Lake Vostok. Other researchers hope to learn a lot more about planet Earth.