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

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Did anyone notice that the last image taken by MSL's MARDI EDL sequence just before touchdown showed what appeared to be a Martian version of a feline?

Doubt it is real, probably just dust being stirred up by the sky crane thrusters.

 OR-

Spoiler

Did Curiosity kill the cat? Hope this breaking news did not hurt anyone's felines.

-AK2DM

[jcarmody]

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@Ben wrote:

[...] 

Q:

Who, what took that picture?

Ben

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Someone in the "Mars" studio.  😄

[Intaris]

Agreed.

Oops, a bit quick to hit the "post" button.....

[Intaris]

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@PaulG. wrote:

Look at this little guy. Isn't he the cutest thing?

I still think NASA ROCKS! 

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Agreed

[Intaris]

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@Ben wrote:

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For me, "beheadings" are not normal.

So for my part and my part only, I have to look closer and try hard to guard against hoping things are normal.

I am not trying to get you to believe. I defend eveyones right to believe what they want.

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I don't think beheadings are normal either but just because something's abnormal doesn't prove any specific link.

Occhams razor forces us to look for the more likely answer and this is my answer: Cartel thugs watch television.  They see the beheading as being a useful tool to subdue the population.  Finished.

Simply reacting to the public distaste to beheadings (copycat) is answer enough for me.  I see no need ot look further.

shane.

[Ben]

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@Intaris wrote:

...

I don't think beheadings are normal either but just because something's abnormal doesn't prove any specific link.

Occhams razor ...

...  I see no need ot look further.

shane.

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Fair enough.

Ben

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

The successful landing of MSL marks the 2nd time my name has landed on another planet! There is a chip on the back of it that contains names that were submitted.

The Phoenix lander also carried names and media burned onto a DVD.

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

[MichaelAivaliotis]

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=151776051

[Hornless.Rhino]

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@AnalogKid2DigitalMan wrote:

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

-AK2DM

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IP over Martian Feline?

[JW-JnJ]

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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

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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.