Nasa is leaving the supply of the International Space Station to the Russians and private venture companys.
Allowing Nasa to proceed with their stated aim of landing and living on the Moon and Mars.

To this end, Nasa will be launching the amazing Martian Sky Crane next month,
which will reach Mars in 14 months time......and hover, yes hover over the deepest depression on Mars,
holding its new 1 ton, six wheeled, atomic powered 'rover' above the Martian surface.
Steadying itself, it will then lower Nasa's new 'rover', called Curiosity, down to the surface to roam over Mars..

By next year, August 2012, Curiosity should be trundling around the Martian landscape, for the next 15-20 years, or more?
Since the present Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity have been up on Mars, working for 7 years.
I expect Curiosity, being atomic powered should have a working lifetime of up to three times longer.

Read about the jet hovering- Martian SkyCrain, and see pictures of the latest
Martian Rover Curiosity, that should be on Mars within 13 months.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14249524

http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article...ar-system-first

I believe there is more on Wiki pedia,
I can hardly wait..... the anticipation.

I remember the fun I had watching the first Martian rover land back in the 90s. That was amazing, and the new ones got even better. Now this one should be even more so.

Bill Gill