agreed. I hope this is taken as a rally call for NASA supporters in congress. I look forward to continued funding (maybe even an increase? fingers crossed).

Go NASA.

American's should take pride in this, it is the sort of accomplishment that can be celebrated by both sides of the political spectrum. -Perhaps it will actually lead to increased funding for such things?

Now the trick is for NASA to keep this in the forefront, keep the public "curious" about what Curiosity is finding and present the data in a compelling, but not disingenuous, way.

It was a lot of fun to watch the control room last night. Plenty of shouting, cheering, crying and more than a few high-fives. If there weren't advanced electronics in the room, I have the feeling all the scientists/analysts would have been soaked in champagne.

>The loss of this rover would have been a terrible setback for NASA and space exploration in general. Instead, we have inspiration, and a new accomplishment for humanity.

I don't even want to think of the damage that a loss would have been for NASA in this election year :( Republicans would have rallied behind promises to defund and privatize NASA, -mark my words. This landing was important for all of us for many reasons, unfortunately some of them are overtly political.

The Oatmeals take:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152013157770078...