QUESTION:
Do you think that the exploration of Mars is worthy of receiving the "Man of
The Year award" given by Time Magazine?  If so why?  The award is not always
given to a person.  For instance, it has been given to a story, a computer,
and others. It is often given to the story that was in the news the most
during the year and had signifigance towards the whole world.  Do you think
that the Pathfinder mission to Mars is worthy of this award?

ANSWER from Donna Shirley on December 11, 1997:
Well, the award is based on something or someone that makes a huge impact
(for good or ill) and I certainly agree that the Pathfinder mission made a
huge impact on the world's consciousness about and interest in space
exploration.  It was all good, too!  The award would have to be to the whole
Pathfinder team, however, because no one person made Pathfinder happen - it
was lots of people.