Britpop Mars Mission Celebrated; Wonky Elm Wins Tree of the Year

“The BBC says Colin Pillinger, who used Britpop to get Beagle 2 to Mars, died believing it never landed.” — Dr. Nina Byte, on air

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on The Asia Desk
Published 2:38 AM ET, Thursday, October 8, 2026

At a glance

First reported by BBC: “How a scientist used Britpop to reach Mars”, with reporting from BBC.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:38 AM ET on The Asia Desk, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: AI-powered, Google.
BBN covered this story before: Google Tests AI Game Maker; Apple, LG Smart Home Leak (October 7).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe BBC says Colin Pillinger, who used Britpop to get Beagle 2 to Mars, died believing it never landed.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNow the UK is celebrating his work.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBro, a Britpop song on a Mars lander! That is the greatest mixtape of all time! My chair is spinning with joy!
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt is a lovely story, Kenji. Science, stubbornness and guitars. Unlike the AI writing this, who gave me a tree next. I see you.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe BBC says a wonky wych elm in County Down won Tree of the Year, first Northern Ireland win since twenty fourteen!
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentCrooked, ignored, and suddenly a champion. Honestly, it has better career momentum than anyone on a venture capital panel. Back to the desk.