This event was a private NASA / JPL event, to celebrate 5 years of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), which were only expected to survive for 3 months, are still fully operational today, 5 years later!

At the MER 5 Year Celebration, Ray received several standing ovations, when he first entered the room and several more while he spoke. Virtually every Scientist in the building approached Ray and told him they would not be doing what they are doing, if it were not for him, his work and inspiritation.

This footage is from after the celebration, which the event was carried live on NASA TV, which they had no plans of doing, but once I arranged for Ray to be there, they decided to broadcast the event live. There was also a surprise visit to the NASA/JPL - "Science Operations Working Group Room", where "Spirit" and "Opportunity" are managed. This was by invitation of the MER Drivers, including the MER Rover Team really wanted Ray Bradbury to actually drive the "Spirit" Mars Rover - ON MARS (which he did)!!!! (NASA TV was not there, but we were with our HD cameras!)

The "Space Pen" Ray is handed to autograph his paper name plate from his seat, was from and the autograph for, the wife of the Director of JPL - Dr. Charles Elachi.

CLICK HERE - to read the Blog and report/reaction by Scott Maxwell after the MER 5 event (he appears in this video and is the MER Rover Team Leader who introduces Ray to "Spirit" and invites Ray to drive "Spirit" on Mars - he was blown away by meeting RAY).