The durability of the technology developed via NASA has always been amazing. It defies all logic when you hear about some dimwit politician or other critic of NASA who questions the expense of space exploration. I believe if there was an audit of all the benefits to everyday society derived from just the technology from these explorations, the returns would far outweigh the expense. That so much has been done for so relatively little expense is praiseworthy. No other aspect of the U.S. government has shown as great a return on investment as NASA. Compared to military expenditures ($250 ashtrays, $4500 toilet seats), the taxpayers are getting a bargain. Spirit was like buying an inexpensive (again, relatively) compact car and having it last and perform beautifully for a decade or more. That the crafts were named Spirit and Opportunity is apt; more things should be done with a sense of spirit and opportunity. RIP, Spirit: a mission well done.
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