Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

US Urged To Keep Space Shuttles Flying Past 2010

Posted by kdawson on from the clipping-the-wing-clippers dept.

DarkNemesis618 writes "A US Representative has proposed that NASA keep the shuttle fleet flying past its planned 2010 retirement date. The move would help NASA avoid reliance on Russian rockets during the gap between the Space Shuttle retirement and the start of the Orion program. One proposal would keep the shuttle fleet flying from 2010 to 2013 while another would keep the fleet alive until the Orion program is ready in about 2015. 2011 marks the end of the exemption that has allowed NASA to use Soyuz rockets for trips to the Space Station, and they would need an extension to keep using Russian launch vehicles. NASA's other option lies in the private sector; but thus far, the progress from that quarter does not look sufficient to meet the 2011 deadline."

4 of 219 comments (clear)

  1. Yes, but on the bright side... by tekrat · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Now they can launch that telescope thingie that was going to be left to wither because all the remaining flights have been scheduled for finishing the ISS -- and with delays, they still won't be done by 2013 anyhow.

    Hey NASA can go waste all the billions they want, it's still a drop in the bucket compared to wars which suck up a lot more money and produce even less useful results than NASA.

    It's too bad the privatized companies (Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX, Armadillo) can't ramp up development to meet the need. Oddly enough, *their* space race will produce the only results that will actually lower the cost per pound to orbit.

    It's too bad we're all so scared of failure these days. Consider that during the development of aircraft, a lot of people died. A lot of people died just trying to cross the Atlantic. We didn't halt aircraft development every time some lunatic in a biplane was lost in a storm. But for some reason, we're afraid to blow up the occasional person to get into space. We need to get over that. A lot of people are going to die before we're able to easily leave the planet as easily as we currently visit another continent. That's just a reality and no amount of double checking is going to change that.

    Well, for test flights anyhow, we could always use that Humanoid Robot (REEM-B) some guy spent three *whole* years developing! ;-)

    --
    If telephones are outlawed, then only outlaws will have telephones.
    1. Re:Yes, but on the bright side... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      But for some reason, we're afraid to blow up the occasional person to get into space. We need to get over that.
      You first.
    2. Re:Yes, but on the bright side... by entrigant · · Score: 5, Insightful

      But that's just it, isn't it? There are many, many people who will GLADLY take the risk and be "first". Anyone who wishes to deny us a space program has no right so say no on the grounds of danger if there are people who understand and willingly accept the danger deciding the benefits far outweight it. Me first? Sure, point me to the shuttle.

  2. Follow the money by mach1980 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Is it that hard to imagine why senators want US dollars to be spent in their home states instead of going to Russia?

    My guess is that this is a national economy thing and has nothing to do with flight-worthiness or risk analysis.

    --
    Break the sound barrier - bring the noise.