The issue of life on Mars has hinged on 27 year old data from Viking. NASA never sent any other experiments to Mars to elucidate on organic molecules or oxidants. I find this so odd since they cling to their no life on the surface of Mars hypothesis like a religion.

If we're doing science, then the ecesiastical clinging is being done by those who deny basic-simple photochemistry for more exotic means.

And I'm not even saying it's not the case, It's just not the most simple explanation.

Why not send an oxidant sensor suite? Why not send a more sensitive GC? or MS? No, it took the British to do this.

Um, MOx was a JPL insturment launched on Mars 96, unfortunately it landed in the pacific ocean.

If successfully landed and functional, Beagle 2 could prove extremely embarassing to NASA and lots of people on this page. I can't wait!

I can't either Barry. More data is always better than less. You seem to be lacking the fundament of uncertainty though. Did you sneak off to Mars and check yourself just to be sure?