NASA is now 2 for 2 on Mars

After all the failures, NASA has managed to get two rovers on Mars with the successful landing of Opportunity on Saturday.

Two articles which give a glimce of what is going on are at the NY Times (I know, I'm actually recommending the paper) and at Space.com.

At the same time, the Rover Spirit is getting better (hopefully) and will be able to continue its mission.

Should man go back into deep space (as opposed to just visiting the space station)? Well, I don't know if Americans or Europeans can. We fear death too much. American culture in general seems to hold death in fear and something to be avoided at all costs. If the price of something is people are going to die, then the price is too high and we maybe not ought to do it.

Space exploration is dangerous. People will die in the exploration of space. If we are not willing to accept that fact, then we shouldn't try. But if people are willing to do their best, knowing they may not come back, and we as a society are willing to pay the price, then we should go. Why? Because no matter how many robots we build, there are somethings they just can't do.