Notice the use of blue tie-downs used to secure the craft to the vehicle. None of these devices were used on the space shuttle. It's probably why they'll never get to Mars.
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A recent survey showed that Mars is the second most hated planet in our solar system, losing 1st to Venus's inability to have a practical name.
While this recent jump in planet hate has startled many, few can answer why.
"I think its just the hard times the world is goin' through, with the war in a rock 'n all." substitute school teacher Joni Barwelt says.
In an interview with the president of the Mars Coalition for Peace, Daniel Mahonda, some much wanted light was shed on the situation
"What it comes down to in my eyes is simply this: No oil, no love. NASA just spent 3 billion dollars on a robot that they sent to Mars, and all they found are some white rocks which just disappeared after a few days. If they had found something black and bubbly, I'm sure there would be a much different story for Mars right now."
Mahonda continued to talk about the bright future for Mars.
"The only reason Mars is getting this much hate is because of the press. As soon as the Phoenix's little batteries run out I think the Mystery of Mars will start to enchant people again."
John Zik from the Board of Planetary Discretion showed a much more pessimistic view for Mars.
"I don't think Mars has more than 4 years left as being a legitimate planet. Just look at x-planet Pluto. It only made it up to the 5th most hated planet when it was de-planetised. Just because Mars is close to Earth, doesn't mean that it is going to pay your taxes."
When asked about the other most hated planet, Venus, Zik responded,
"If you can make a cartoon about it or name your dog after it, then it probably isn't a good candidate for a planet. Venus has no place in mainstream media which is why it will remain a planet for quite some time."
Zik's comments hint at the idea that perhaps Earth isn't a good candidate as a planet either.
While analysts may disagree of the reasons for Mars's unpopularity, they suspect most of the finger pointing will shift towards Jupiter by 2011.
"Jupiter failed to become a star 300 billion years ago, and it failed to be there for my daughter's piano recital yesterday" Astronomer expert Mark Blumenbergen said in a press release Wednesday "I hate Jupiter."
