mlm writes:

I agree that the pace of information out of JPL has been slower than it
should be, and they occasionally do seem to be afraid of their own
shadows.

I think they are so stunned at going 2 for 2, they can't think clearly
about what to do next. They are just standing back and rubbing their
chins in disbelief. Don't worry, it'll wear off soon.

Or they're too busy trying to get MER-1 back up and running and too
busy getting MER-2 started to worry about press releases every 15
minutes.

Lets put this in a reasonable context. These rovers represent only the
4th and 5th times human scientists have landed a fully working spacecraft
on Mars and these guys did it twice in three weeks -- this alone will go
down as a signal achievement in the annals of science -- we are already
talking first class honours in the Bill Nye hall of fame here.

The science up to now is mostly engineering and telecommunications, not
geological but it is excellent, unparalleled science nonetheless.
Proving something can be done opens up a lot of doors.

MER-1 is starting to do more than just engineering and
telecommunications. Last I heard, they'll back to science this
weekend.

And besides, just like ketchup, isn't it all about anticipation?

Fact is, anything and everything these beasts find will be new to us so
there should be loads of excitement ahead.

Hopefully science too. ;-)

Jeff
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