[John H K]

So England, America, and Europe all had Mars programs going on virtually simultaneously?

The Beagle 2 was carried to Mars attached to the European Mars Express; it dropped off when Mars Express arrived for its (failed) landing.

The Japanese sent an orbiter to Mars at the same time, but unfortunately it was trashed by solar flares.

[polemikos]

Thanks.

[r9etb]

The Japanese sent an orbiter to Mars at the same time, but unfortunately it was trashed by solar flares.

The Japanese have had their problems with solar flares -- earlier this year they lost one GEO satellite, and another went into a safe mode, to the effects of the huge flares back in October.

[FourtySeven]

I guess the Beagle2 is pretty much considered toast now huh?