There was an interesting panel by George Whitesides (ceo Virgin Galactic), David Giger (SpaceX), Andrew Nelson (coo of Xcor), and Peter Diamandis (CEO of the X Prize foundation). They talked (and argued a bit)about how people/governments/privates would get into space and to mars. One interesting (and somewhat belligerent-sounding question from the audience: How do the FAA and regulations affect the private development of space flight? How does NASA affect it? The answer was that they were a big help. And that the panelists hoped there would be no changes to that environment at all.

The main event of course was Curiosity’s landing. A ton of excitement as we watched the control room and broke occasionally for our own cheers. At one point some damnfool started a “USA” chant. But it became overwhelming a “JPL” chant. And then thankfully, everyone shut up so I could hear what was going on in the control room.

Lots of fun and excitement. I’m still tired and hoarse.