I hope they can lift off tomorrow. I was disappointed they did not make it Thursday since they were on a roll with the other 3 launches this year. Was hoping for another one on time.
I’m surprised there has not been more coverage of this but perhaps I am not looking in the right places: I read that Rep Dave Weldon of FL has submitted legislation calling for the shuttle NOT to be shut down in 2010, but to keep flying til 2015. Not sure what to make of that idea.
I’m all for anything that will get more money to NASA. But I think this might be barking up the wrong tree. This proposal is being met in the Space Industry with mixed feelings. If they can successfully increase NASA’s budget enough to keep the Shuttle flying with the required modifications AND continue on track with the Vision for Space Exploration. Then I will be happy. But historically this has not happened.
What I would be even happier with is extend the shuttle to 2012 and move IOC for Ares/Orion back to 2012 where it started. That would be the best and probably most politically pallatable solution.
Weldon is grasping at straws. Atlantis is scheduled to have its final flight next August and then it becomes a parts supply for the Discovery and Endeavour shuttles. I don’t know that these birds have another seven years in them without another catastrophic loss.