Celly222 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

I dont trust these kinds of landings. Nothing beats the big ol' rubber superball method. If that carrier lets go of the lander just slightly too soon......... *smash* whereas with the superball you just let it bounce around. Phoenix lucked out i think. Spirit and Opportunity used the superball and ruled mars.

rdriedger (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

that landing gear almost seems excessive much awesome

MikeHawkins (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

JPL says due to delays it won't launch until Fall of 2009 but still arrive in 2010 just a few months later than originally planned. The die-hards Rovers still at it, one headed to a massive 14 mile wide crater 7 miles away...

subach (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

We're sending a robot with a laser to mars, the irony is so sweet I can taste it.

Pawalskij (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

that was fucking sweet

FlyUSNavy (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

its nuclear powered, no solar panels.

joachim2464 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

this will be a pretty big rover. But where are the solar panels?

Darealwhip (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

If NASA could assemble few more robots with off the shelf components in a modular fashion to simplify construction and cut cost. Also few robots could be just loaded with Image and sensing equipment.

Darealwhip (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

I share you concern about cost...Lets you congresman know that this robots could be mass produce to slice cost in a half and get more robots on mars surface...

hfutrell (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)

MSL hate rock! *zap* *zap* *zap* MSL strike fear in the heart of rock using LAZER!