The loss of Beagle 2 was really unfortunate, I agree. It's a shame that the rovers didn't have anything similiar, especially considering how long they have lived and travelled. I don't think that we'd get lucky on the first shot at looking for life but with time and exploration, it'd probably be found.

Yes, finding life on another planet would pose a bit of a problem for creationists. The presumed "specialness" of life on our planet would be reduced. I'm sure that there would be an idea to work around it though. That's the way it goes...

Stephanie

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson