***by Astrobiology Magazine
Moffett Field - Jun 30, 2003

The milestone launch of NASA's latest Mars mission--called Spirit--along with the scheduled end-of-June launch for its twin--Opportunity--together, provide the impetus to revisit the remarkable journey of the earliest martian missions.

Excerpts from the lively debates that took place prior to the 1976 Viking missions give immediacy and perspective on both the rewards and challenges that the Red Planet offers.

In this and forthcoming issues, Astrobiology Magazine is pleased to commemorate the descriptions offered in the words of then mission contemporaries. NASA historians have compiled these notes in their five-hundred page edition of: On Mars: Exploration of the Red Planet. 1958-1978 (NASA HQ SP-4212).

...<snip>...

The scientist's caution was prompted by his knowledge that "we well might be wrong in anything we say. Anyone who has carried out a scientific investigation knows that the pathway of science is paved not only with brilliant insights and great discoveries, but also with false leads and bitter disappointments."

..<snip>...***

This is a long article worth reading with Barry's and Mark's recent remarks about the Viking Landers three experiments.--Chris Vancil

http://www.spacedaily.com/news/mars-life-03b.html