Dealing with the damned Cyrix OS today, so here's hoping the typos aren't too bad...

First off, you're forgeting that the UK does not have that well developed nuclear warhead re-entry industry which the US has.

Second, and quite minorly, you're forgetting that the ESA has never tried a Mars landing before.

Someone picked up your tab for that conference you mentioned.

Maybe there were national security concerns that inhibited you from commenting. On the other hand, maybe there were not.

In any case, you did not comment, and from my point of view right now, someone could have saved the taxpayer the money spent on your trip.

ep