The EU has hailed the Mars Express mission as a major achievement for Europe

The EU has hailed the Mars Express mission as a major achievement for Europe, downplaying disappointment over the failure to make contact with the Beagle probe on the Martian surface. Beagle lead scientist Professor Colin Pillinger said: "We will hang on testing and waiting and checking with Beagle 2 until Mars Express is able to look for us and that won't happen until January 4." Two attempts to locate the probe have failed. A giant telescope will try again Friday evening. Pillinger added: "It's like sending someone a love letter. You know they've got it, and you're waiting for their response." Unfortunately the Red Planet has a history of wrecking such love affairs. Out of 11 previous probes dropped on its surface, only three have survived. But even in the worst case scenario, Mars Express's ultra-sophisticated technology should still pick up vital clues as to whether life exists on the planet.