Yep, the story I read on the wire was almost 'identical' as the beeb's story, rehashed a few words, but the paragraphs were the same. Bad Subbing from the beeb IMHO.
With Politicians getting on the band wagon as well to extend the Shuttle program, going for the "keep it American" vote. 'Politically' asking Russia for help for getting Cargo and Crew looks 'bad' for them, especially with World wide events (Georgia). Pity Europe has only and unmanned vehicle program.
IMHO, at most, I think NASA will look to extend the program a year or two, not including delayed flights, but I'm afraid that other other program budgets will be cut, as congress will probably only give a token increased budget to the shuttle, that's if the extended missions go ahead.
