re: Let the space organization that does not have at least one pile of multimillion dollar junk littering the Martian surface, cast the first stone.
Here Here
MPL was exactly the same. Not enough time, not enough money.
Lest we forget - Beagle 2 was ALWAYS high risk, and everyone always knew that.
It was NOT a publicity stunt ( woo - great publicity, a mars lander that doesnt land ) and it had a LOT more science ability than any mars lander to date. It's my belief that the money spent is not wasted - the instrumentation devleoped will be invaluble for future missions.
And if nothing else - it ignited some interest in space in the UK. We're always moaning about that, right? The public not being behind space. Well - the UK was very much behind B2 - and Prof. Southwood will be the first to say that public opinion in the UK did not drop after the loss - but maintained :)
Doug