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Nasa and Cornell

Marvin the Martian Joins Cats to Congratulate Steve - Reported by Marilou Bebak, PSIP Facilitator

Marvin the Martin, the famous Warner Brothers cartoon character, recently shared his thoughts about Steve and the Phoenix mission to Mars. "When I heard about Steve's latest accomplishments," said Marvin, I just had to leave my imaginary cartoon world and celebrate with my feline friends."

Although the kitty festivities became quite frisky due to an abundance of catnip, all agreed that the Martian rock named "Steve the Cat" is a fitting tribute to cats worldwide.

Marvin's colleague, Sylvester the Cat, could not be reached for comment. However, Sylvester's pal Tweety exclaimed, "I tawt I taw a puddy tat? I did, I did see a puddy tat on Mars!"

Cornell and Nasa make their home in Buffalo New York with PSIP Facilitator Marilou Bebak. Cornell is the "armchair astronomer" of the duo, while Nasa is a bit spacey. They graciously allow Marilou to live with them and pet them and feed them.

Before the party began, Cornell and Marvin watch news reports about Steve's namesake rock.

Showing the effects of too much catnip, Nasa hangs on to Marvin for support.

Grade 2 - Conestoga Public School - Brampton, Ontario Canada - June 2008

The Grade 2 class at Conestoga Public School was introduced to the story of Steve the Cat and his trip to the red planet in order to excite them about the Canadian contribution to the the Phoenix Lander - the weather station. It was decided to submit Steve's first reports and observations as a writing assignment.

Click on each image for a closer look...

Lexx the Cat

Dear Steve the Cat ,

I am very impressed with your adventures in space in the Phoenix. Where do you live and did your interest in space science start as a kitten? Are your humans supportive?

Lexx the Cat

Steve replies: "I live in Moab, Utah, which is located near Arches National Park. The red rock landscape of Arches National Park looks a lot like Mars, which is one of the reasons I love living near it. I also like the fields of wild catnip that grow along the Colorado River north of town."

Steve had a very intense interest in space, at a very early age. Many of the cats in this part of the country remember young Steve's historic speech when he stated, "I believe that this nation should commit itself, before this decade is out." He quickly added that once all the humans were committed, it would be up to cats to get to Mars.

Once Steve explained the importance of his desire to reach for the stars - twice - it began to dawn on his humans that he might actually be serious. Since that time, they have done their level best to help him attain the right stuff, which seems to include an awful lot of catnip mice.

Clovis

Clovis wishes Steve all the best on his exploration of Mars.

Photo Credit: C. Link

Emma

...I am a nearly nearly 17 year old Persian cat (named Emma) and have been 'flying' NASA spacecraft to the planets,comets and asteroids for many years along with my late tabby cat sister - Manda (who sadly died in January 2007 from cancer).

...Both me and Manda have flown to Mars before on several earlier missions and we have been on Stardust and on the comet mission.

All the best on Mars - Emma (and in spirit Manda) - United Kingdom

To boldly go where no meow has gone before!

Additional Comments

Kevin comments:

A suggestion to Steve for his first words from Mars: “Catdu barrada nicto!”

Bruce - Amateur astronomer in Olympia, WA comments:

I've got to believe that Steve must trace his lineage straight back to Toonces. Remember? "Toonces, the driving cat, the cat who could drive a car....well, but not very well." I've got Toonces' antics all on tape from those classic SNL episodes! What do you think? Is Steve related?

Steve replies: "No relation. Although Toonces was a pioneer in ground transportation, Toones in a rocket could have started a global war!"

Astronaut Nathan comments:

If Steve needs help opening the capsule door on a future mission, my cat Pete can help him. See here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54N_y9nVKXc

Mary comments:

Hope you get home from Mars soon, when do you expect to come back? Is that your twin back here on planet earth? If you find any cats on Mars please bring one back for me. My cat Scooter passed away at age 18 and I miss him. Good Luck!!

Steve replies: "I'll be leaving to come back to Earth in early November. I can't wait to see my buddy Dakota, who has been taking care of my humans in my absense."

Leith asks:

Hey Steve - Was just woundering how you are going to get home. I will understand if you take a little while to reply to this message since it will take at least 15min to reach you at the speed of light. Thanks

Steve replies: "I'll be heading home in my Fabergé Egg, with Asparagus Boosters attached."

Clare comments:

I was looking for something interesting on the Phoenix Lander to put on our 'message board' at school. I googled and there you were! Now everyone knows you... I think you should go for President.. there is still time!! Why stop at space.. rule the world.. it would be purrrrrrrrrrrfect!

Chrissy Dog comments:

Hi Steve, Good Work Steve But Remember Dogs were first in space!

Keith comments:

Way to go Steve. Salute from Koko in Moab.

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