We are sending robots the size of cars to Mars ...

[PaulG.]

---

@JW-L3CE wrote:

---

AnalogKid2DigitalMan wrote:

Also had my name sent up on the Stardust mission, not sure if it was on the chip located on the craft or on the return capsule. I think the return capsule chip was to be displayed at the Smithsonian.

I hope aliens don't find them and start looking up the names on Facebook!

-AK2DM

---

Sucker, enjoy your "Martian Male Enhancement" spam.

Back on topic:

What amazes is keeping something like the Rover operational for as long as it is was. Computers and phones die when you look at them sideways. Imagine sending mechatronics to one of the harshest environments and giving it that sort of longevity. Astounding really.

It's funny that I could care less about what the Rover is doing. I love the intangible products of NASA. Tech, research, children inspiration, and the looming idea that another "space race" would end predictably.

---

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that these things work under such harsh enviromental extremes. All I have to do is drop an adult beverage on something and it's useless after that. 

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

MSL says 'cheese' for it's own self-portrait:

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4837

-AK2DM