[freedumb2003]

That'll set the Euro technology industrial base back another ten years.

Wanna go interplanetary? Buy American. We get to AND report back from other worlds.

As badly as I want to crow about this, I think it is ultimately very sad -- all of Mankind loses out when knowledge is lost due to this kind of accident.

Space travel is inherently dangerous and I really hope this loss (don't forget we almost lost touch with Spirit) makes it clear that the only machine that can properly explore the cosmos is a thinking, breathing Human Being.

[Dog Gone]

The Beagle was going to do different experiments than either the Spirit or Opportunity, so it's unfortunate that this happened.

It was also pretty bold of the Europeans to attempt with their lack of experience, and surely the odds were against them in getting something this complex right on the first attempt.