Read my blog for a few minutes and you’ll quickly realize I’m a science nut. Particularly a space nut. Even MORE specifically space exploration. Now I wanted to make a post about this because of how strongly I feel on it.
In case you didn’t know, the Shuttle fleet is set to be retired in 2010. That’s less than 1 1/2 years away! That was the mandate set forth. I want to say they had planned to have a new operational vehicle by 2012. That is not going to happen. In fact it will be 2015 before the new system is ready. That’s FIVE YEARS with no American manned space flights. The United States has ponied a lot of money for the ISS (International Space Station). How does that make sense? Go ask Russia to take us? Sure, for 2 billion dollars, comrade!
No, not good at all. Whomever the next President is, will have a huge say in this. Both candidates seemed to have expressed the concerns I’ve stated. If this program gets ditched, and we’re begging the Russians for rides; I’m going to be one pissed mofo.
But with that said, I’m just glad people are realizing it and I will agree with Jim Lovell who said. Keep flying them if they work? Duh?