I hadn't realised Colin Pillinger had died. I've found the news oddly affecting considering I never met the guy. :(

(For anyone interested in the background to the Beagle2 probe, 'Backroom Boys'[1] includes a great chapter on it, and Prof Pillinger's involvement .)

[1]: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Backroom-Boys-Secret-Return-British-...