WITH the Beagle space probe failing so far to emit a single squawk from the surface of Mars, there are those in this country who will sneer.

We are not among them.

The scientists behind the project, and the staff at North Star's Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, which part-funded it, should hold their heads high.

They have worked tirelessly to in the name of science.

If the human race responded to every failure by giving up, we would still be driving vehicles with square wheels.