A Big Step Back

The space shuttle has certainly had its share of problems. Obviously, the two shuttle explosions, regular launch problems, and cost issues have taken some of the luster off of the program. NASA's answer might be considered to be a step back, though.

NASA may replace its troubled fleet of space shuttles with a new generation of Apollo-type space capsules, a top space agency official said.

"Certainly we have considerable amount of experience flying with capsules," Dr. John Rogacki, director of NASA's space transportation directorate, told Reuters on Wednesday. "One might say on the capsule side it could be that that design experience may lead to a capsule being available sooner than a winged vehicle."

If space exploration is to again take strides forward, the idea of resurrecting a capsule-based program has to be seen as a set-back. What is needed are bold new ideas that lead to less expensive, reliable, re-usable craft that can be launched easily.

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Posted by zombyboy at September 18, 2003 11:53 AM | TrackBack