Im with Cthulhus. NASA cant wait to retire the shuttle. I kinda get the idea the Columbia situation soured them on the whole idea. Recently, I was watching a NASA press conference and the question of the shuttle's future was posed to a very senior NASA Admin and he almost seemed offended that he was asked. " I shouldnt have to inspect my vehicle post orbital and pre deorb..." basically was his attitude and thats nearly a direct quote. I dont think there ever gonna live Columbia down, Fair or not, and as soon as they can be done with the system, So be it.
As an American, Im also not keen on outsourcing our space industry to other countries even if it is temporary. Thats not being arrogant and I hope none takes it as such, But it is a National pride issue and could be a security issue in my opinion. This will be the first time since Mercury we havent had the ability to put a man in orbit. Sure, all is friendly now but who's to say what can happen say six years from now? Im not so sure about that Soyuz-TMA anyway.
Im all about progress and development but capsules are so 1960ish...Can I get a amen? You cant convince me there isnt more development in that Shuttle design.
