August 6, 2012 – JTMP fully supports government investment in infrastructure and social services, but we also realize the need for the technological and other benefits that comes from other government investment; such as the wildly successful landing of the SUV-size "Curiosity" rover that the government-funded and run NASA organization pulled off yesterday. The scientific world is abuzz with excitement at the very risky landing of the new rover, that has many more tools and gadgets the the previous Mars rovers have had. The scientific and technological advances and data gathered will benefit humankind for years to come, perhaps even add or rewrite some of the scientific textbooks in our public schools on our understanding of the planet Mars and the universe we live in.
President Obama issued a statement on this historic and monumental scientific achievement, and said:
"Tonight, on the planet Mars, the United States of America made history.
The successful landing of Curiosity – the most sophisticated roving laboratory ever to land on another planet – marks an unprecedented feat of technology that will stand as a point of national pride far into the future. It proves that even the longest of odds are no match for our unique blend of ingenuity and determination.
Tonight’s success, delivered by NASA, parallels our major steps forward towards a vision for a new partnership with American companies to send American astronauts into space on American spacecraft. That partnership will save taxpayer dollars while allowing NASA to do what it has always done best – push the very boundaries of human knowledge. And tonight’s success reminds us that our preeminence – not just in space, but here on Earth – depends on continuing to invest wisely in the innovation, technology, and basic research that has always made our economy the envy of the world.
I congratulate and thank all the men and women of NASA who made this remarkable accomplishment a reality – and I eagerly await what Curiosity has yet to discover."
– President Obama, Aug 6, 2012
Watch NASA employees celebrate the landing of Curiosity and pictures from the Mars surface on NASA's website here, and to watch an awesome animation video about Curiosity, including the landing and its tools, check out this NASA video below. (photo credit: NASA/public domain)
