It’s no secret that NASA needs a replacement for the aging STS – Space Transport System – or more commonly, the Space Shuttle. In fact, many scientists – including some of the most prestigious organizations like the Federation of Scientists – have been against the shuttle from the beginning. Maybe NASA should have listened to them.The shuttle program has been the most costly space program in history. Despite huge investments in improvements and upgrades for safety, it has proven to be dangerous and ineffective for its intended missions – namely space science and construction of the Space Station – now on hold. It has had its successes – the Hubble repairs in 1993, 1997 and 1999 and dozens of successful placements of important military and communications satellites. Right now, selling tickets to ride the space shuttle – even for satellites – is tough proposition. Nobody wants to pay more and risk their multimillion dollar mission on a vehicle considered an antique – it’s more than 25 years old.

Even NASA has stopped defending the shuttle. First Challenger and then Columbia accidents have placed a dark shadow on the whole program. The last launch showed the safety fixes inadequate. The shuttle still has serious problems with the ceramic tiles that form the reentry heat shield, i.e. they come unglued and fall off and are susceptible to damage from falling debris during launch.

View: Full Article | Source: Physorg

Yeah, I agree, we need a new ride for space exploration of the 21st century.

Pimp my Shuttle lol

Yeah i think its time we actually use the tech we have now to improve these shuttles

I think in the next 50 to 100 years we will see some type of Orbiting Platform that will allow us to send up segments and assemble a large Interplanetary ship. Once beyond the chance of it falling back to Earth the Naysayers may allow a Nuclear Power Supply to be used for propulsion.
Using Robots to return samples is fine for now , but you cant beat on sight analysis of space objects. Scientist of the Future will have to go into Space. Not just well trained Pilots.
IMO.

Yeah, we need a more efficiant way for space travel, I think we need more like a mini space station think thats cheap and roomy.

Does nasa know what kind of shuttle they are going to use next?