Martian Life: The NASA Cover-Up?

So what is Rummel's verdict on Viking? - "Not proven".

Meanwhile, Gil Levin bides his time. He is heartened by the 'not proven' verdict. But NASA still stonewalls him, and there are a number of scientists around who doubt his competence. Does he let it get to him? "I'm not resentful", he smiles. "I'm kind of amused. I do believe that the existence of life on Mars will be established one day, and I'm sure that when it is established, whoever does it will take the credit."

But - indicating his sheaf of graphs - Levin concludes: "Nonetheless, the original data are there".

An extract from Mars: the Inside Story of the Red Planet, by Heather Couper and Nigel Henbest (Headline, £25) Available to buy from Amazon.co.uk

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