Schiaparelli: Uh oh

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The European Space Agency's Schiaparelli Mars Lander appears to have been lost in atmospheric entry. This is a significant setback for Mars exploration. The lander was intended as a demonstration of landing technology but also had significant scientific objectives.

This is yet another reminder of how perilous space exploration continues to be. The US has announced a goal of putting humans on Mars by 2030, but that seems optimistic to me.

E O Wilson doesn't think that humans will ever live on Mars or in space. This is the planet we were "designed" for, or at least evolved through billions of generations for.

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