As I work for a UK newspaper, I get to read the newsfeeds from various agencies around the world. I have a particular filter set up for "Space stories". This came up but I can't release what came on the feed (copyright / legal issues). However I can point you to Beeb's link which appeared moments ago :)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7590449.stm
The last paragraph is interesting, as I think that it something to do with a X-37 type of craft.
The X37 is one possibility, but NASA works with a lot of contractors nowadays.
For example the Falcon rockets from SpaceX could send a Dragon into space...
http://www.spacex.com/dragon.php
Don't know the current status of that project, nor do I know any other projects from the top of my head at this moment, but I'm sure that the possibilities are plenty :)
I've heard a term 'reusable', but don't quote me on that ;)
Ah, that changes a lot!
Well... we'll see what will become of it :)
That news was our exclusive by the way ;)
Friday morning: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5504
Orlando Sentinel ran their version Friday afternoon.
BBC rehashed that at the weekend. Such is how media works - as I'm sure you know desktopsimmer...especially the BBC, which is pretty much an office full of journalism students temping - busily rehashing other media reports when it comes to fillers on their specific sections.
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.