Mark,

As usual, your comments are correct and perceptive. It's no wonder that interest in Mars has declined since there hasn't been an active spacecraft on the surface since Mars Pathfinder (yes, I know about MGS and Odyssey which are orbiters). Also the dual failures of Mars Polar Lander and Mars Observer did little to inspire the public's interest in space exploration. The two Mars Exploration Rover (MER) spacecraft will launch in late 2003 and land on Mars in the first quarter of 2004. I'm very confident that both spacecraft will be successful and attract considerable public interest in Mars. It is spacecraft on the Martian surface that really captures the public's attention. Obviously this is because John Q. Public can relate to standing on the surface next to the lander. MER will enhance this effect by roaming around on the surface. If and when, they get Mars 2005 --renamed--> Mars 2007 --renamed--> Mars Smart Lander (MSL) on Mars, this public relations effect will be further amplified because MSL will almost certainly be powered by RTGs and downliking images for years.

I'm as convinced as ever that Mars colonization holds the key to unlocking the public's interest in space exploration. I'm also convinced that Mars exobiology is the slow acting poison that could ultimately kill the Mars program. The Mars Society needs to get its act together in preparation for MER. Also the lunatic fringe's interest in Mars will also be refreshed by new landers on Mars. The Mars Society should have an appropriate response waiting for the screwballs.

Gary