Whiners will whine; to mods, hit post by accident
Curiosity may have some shortcomings as a science mission (and I am not comfortable with its little load of Pu238, an element and isotope not present on Mars for thousands of millions of years, if it ever was) but this seems like a bit of a beat-up article (ooh-er, I am supposed to be a paid reg writer, what can I write about today?).
Nothing except some of the Soviet Venera probes (if you haven't, read about them), comes close to matching its landing for audacity.
I rate Venera-series probes as the most audacious planetary exploration even now, given the sulphuric acid in the atmosphere,insanely high pressures, lead-and-tin melting temperatures. unimaginable winds.
Yet they sent back measurements, photographs, and live sound.
The mechanical ballet of Curiosity's landing was magnificent, I enjoyed seeing how the controllers used at several (most?) steps were much the same as the ones to fire airbags in cars. All proofs of concept for techniques that will land people or send them supplies.
I am sad that our Nozomi probe did not get there, the IAU ordered it destroyed because of a chance of it hitting Mars, and it hadn't been sterilised to the required level.
I watched the launch after driving for two hours after midnight, beautiful sight, and in a beautiful place, so of course felt an emotional attachment to its progress.
Also sad for Russia's Phobos-to-Ground and ESA's Beagle 2, but I only shed a tear for Nozomi.