Robots in Space

With the imminent end of the Space Shuttle program, it is tempting to think space exploration is in decline. But the Shuttle stayed in low Earth orbit, and her robot brethren have been busy exploring an entire solar system. In fact, there are currently more craft orbiting, encountering, sampling, photographing, sniffing and trundling over other bodies than ever before. These devices are using more sophisticated instruments than ever, and returning amazing science results at a fraction the cost of anything containing a human being. We are uncovering a whole new solar system, full of unexpected wonders, and it is a pity that the general public is not more aware of it.