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Great Space Events in 2004

After an European probe arrived at Mars by 2003's end (its lander remained silent) and a Japanese craft unluckily missed the Red Planet at the same epoch, January 2004 will be a great month for space activity: two NASA missions will reach their target. Twin Rovers Spirit and Opportunity will land at Mars as mission Stardust will encounter comet Wild 2. In July, after having begun science as soon as February 2004, Cassini will reach Saturn as in March or May, a fine mission, Messenger, will leave to Mercury