Space socialists or space entrepreneurs, I wish Nozomi had succeeded.
I'm sorry Japan's socialistic space program didn't succeed with Nozomi. But I've always preferred that they be more pro-entrepreneurial by offering competitive prizes. Not to cry over spilled milk but what if Nozomi had succeeded and all those Asians living in the Pacifica region had suddenly taken a significantly greater interest in Mars. Perhaps this failure can motivate them to want to catch up with the West regarding Mars now, rather than rest on laurels that they now won't have? Or will they focus on conflicts with North Korea instead?
:-(