I’m a huge fan of the Space Shuttle. I always have been. I also have been a large opponent of cancelling the program. Sadly, President Obama continued former President Bush’s idea of cancelling the program a few months ago. Look, I get it–the Shuttles are expensive, they underperformed in terms of total flights, and our economy is not right now for more spending. I get it.
With that said, perhaps I’m sad about my age–I was 6 when Columbia lifted off for the first time, and I remember it. The program has now ended after 30 years. I’m now 36 – I’m good at math, ain’t I?’
I’m also sad about the job losses. Thousands now at NASA are without work.
Lastly, I’m most sad that we do not have an immediate replacement ready to take over where the Shuttle left off. It’ll be a few years – at best – and in the meantime, we’re relying on our permanent enemies/temporary friends – Russia, China – to handle all of the space-stuff. I think this is a less-wise decision than cancelling the Shuttle program.
I hope American space progress is not ending. I hope it’s paused. And to end, I leave you with a photo of a never-before-seen sight; Shuttles Endeavour and Discovery nose-to-nose, each in a different state of decommissioning.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/08/11/two-shuttles-nose-to-nose/