Do you think NASA should retire the Space Shuttle?
I think they should not retire the Space Shuttle. After the Space Shuttle, they are going to use a program just like Apollo. It is called Orion. It will be launched on an Ares 1 Rocket. Do you think NASA should retire the Space Shuttle?
Public Comments
- The space shuttle ain't getting to Mars anytime soon. Hell it can barely make it into orbit without an explosion.
- It's an old fleet. The government will only fund specific missions, and making new and imporved shuttles isn't on the funding list. Statistically, it's one of the most dangerous human devices ever used for transportation. I'll miss it too, but I think it is time we got beyond earth orbit for the first time in my life.
- yes. it has done its duty, the shuttles are old and falling apart, and they never really worked anyway. time for some fresh thinking and fresh ideas. preferably ones that work. what is your expertise in aerospace, btw? what is the basis for your opinion?
- the shuttle is aging and unreliable. there are safer and more reliable launch systems available now, both for manned and unmanned missions, and public is concerned with the massive expense and pollution of chemical rockets anyway. it is time to consider replacing chemical rockets entirely, and experiment with advanced alternative lift systems.
- The Shuttles are DECADES beyond their projected service life. They are terribly expensive to refurbish for each flight. And there are a number of the engine components that are not available anymore; heck some of them the manufacturers don't even exist anymore. STS has done its job. It's time to move on.
