[beaned]

There are rovers on Mars already that landed on the first try. The approach was rigorous planning and study with the highest standards.

It doesn't mean the approach SpaceX is taking isn't valuable in some contexts, but it's certainly not the only method.

[Teever]

That seems like a poor example given how many failed attempts to land something on Mars that took place before they got to designs that would get it right in the first go.

[yborg]

The Viking landers were the first attempt by the US to land on Mars. The Soviets actually soft-landed first on their second try but the lander failed after transmitting one corrupted image. There were certainly many failed Mars missions by various countries, but the Vikings at least got it right on the first go.

[mulmen]

NASA’s first attempt to land on Mars was successful. I count 11 total attempts with one failure.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_Mars

[mstipetic]

The rocket booster landing of mars rover also hasn’t been tried before.

[beAbU]

Infinitely more fun to witness though.