[Gene Eric]

Certainly, the 1st sub-definition describes my intended point.

Politically, I suppose the flight was a disaster, but from the engineering standpoint, the team made progress.

Checking out, g’night.

[dr_lew]

Politically, I suppose the flight was a disaster, but from the engineering standpoint, the team made progress.

Politically, you say? ... made progress you say? Anybody might bombard Mars with projectiles.

I would advise you not to console the Schiaparelli team by telling them they "made progress". The landing is the WHOLE THING. Can't you see that?