You seem to be forgetting how long it takes to develop something like the Space Shuttle. It literally is one of the most complex machines ever built by humans. These programs are thought of years before the first prototype rolls out. Do you think that they havent been thinking of replacements until now? It takes a long time to gather the resources and manpower to complete a single project. Most modern aircraft are thought up 10+ years before they first fly. Also, you sound surprised that they are re-using something that was meant to be RE-USABLE. Discovery has been on over 30+ missions. Secondly, the shuttles recently underwent massive overhauls (new computers, engine improvements, etc). Space travel IS dangerous but people take it for granted because so many mission were a success.
"If they plan on putting a man on Mars they've got a long way to go with those shitty shuttles they're still nursing along."
The space shuttle has nothing to do with putting a man or Mars. That type of mission will most likely be launched from the moon and the space shuttle can't even get there (not enough fuel and thrust).
Out.
Slashdot Mirror
You seem to be forgetting how long it takes to develop something like the Space Shuttle. It literally is one of the most complex machines ever built by humans. These programs are thought of years before the first prototype rolls out. Do you think that they havent been thinking of replacements until now? It takes a long time to gather the resources and manpower to complete a single project. Most modern aircraft are thought up 10+ years before they first fly. Also, you sound surprised that they are re-using something that was meant to be RE-USABLE. Discovery has been on over 30+ missions. Secondly, the shuttles recently underwent massive overhauls (new computers, engine improvements, etc). Space travel IS dangerous but people take it for granted because so many mission were a success. "If they plan on putting a man on Mars they've got a long way to go with those shitty shuttles they're still nursing along." The space shuttle has nothing to do with putting a man or Mars. That type of mission will most likely be launched from the moon and the space shuttle can't even get there (not enough fuel and thrust). Out.