Early on the morning of Feb. 1 the US space agency NASA's space shuttle Columbia tore apart in the outer reaches of Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. Last month the heads of the world's leading space agencies met for the first time since the disaster to discuss the future of the International Space Station (ISS). Given the grounding of the shuttle fleet, the space station appeared to be in a precarious position. But the truth was there was little to discuss: the shuttle had to be forced back into service or the space station would remain a half-finished millstone around NASA's neck. Now, after the report by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) at the end of last month, NASA knows what it must do to get the shuttle fleet back into operation. But the report did not address internal divisions at NASA.

Some within the agency believe the Columbia accident can be all but shrugged off; that the shuttle can be made to fly for another 20 years if need be. Others say enough is enough: the ageing shuttle is past it. It's time for something new. There's no doubt the shuttle will be put back in service in the short term. It has to be. Many of the remaining modules that are due to be fitted to the international space station have been finished or are nearing completion.

View: Full Article | Source: Taipei Times

I think this is time for Nasa to seriously rethink it's policies. I have heard that countries such as Brazil or corps such as Boeing are wanting a shot at the program and I feel it's high time for them to be involved.

Since the gov cut nasa off there needs to be some help bofore we loose all of our shuttles. Something needs to be done.

There need to be several different types of vehicles for the different types of jobs that need to be done in space. Specialization, folks. If a deadline is assigned, which is 2008 by reading the article, we will not only have a working platform that will get the space program up and running again, but several platforms, each performing a specific task, and the program will be better for it. competition will yield better and more varied equipment, period. Time to start giving out fat government contracts to the company that makes the best replacement for the shuttle.

I'm just glad that they are finally getting into gear and realizing that something needs to be done, and done right this time.

Also, welcome back Snuffy!!!