America has invested 30 years in the Shuttle system. Instead of retiring it and beginning with a new “clean sheet of paper” approach that will take extra time and money, I propose we follow the Russian example and make the basic Shuttle the foundation of a space program that can take us literally to Mars. Use the boosters, engines and big tank as the backbone of a new heavy lift rocket. Fly that rocket from the same facilities as the current Shuttles use. Keep much of the existing workforce working, because the only thing you will change is older designs and engines, making way for a heavy lift launcher derived from the Shuttle basics and capable of carrying large new spacecraft to the station or destinations beyond.

Donald Trump Needs An Audacious Plan For Space - Breitbart

http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2015/12/22/donald-trump-needs-an-audacious-plan-for-space/


Sent from my iPad

Low NASA Budgets Threaten Spaceflight Safety: Report

If asap has anything to do with it, may never fly ---re asap & shuttle! Bm


http://www.space.com/31669-nasa-safety-report-risks.html


Sent from my iPad

The Shuttle Continues to Be An Intriguing Candidate For “Commercialization”: The system is presently operational. Its payload-to-orbit delivery and other capabilities are well documented. Its risks are known and assessable for payload insurance and crew-safety considerations and industrial elements are already doing much of the work in many areas. Bailing, leasing and/or other type of agreement for use of government equipment (Orbiters, pads, control centers, etc.) is probably feasible in some arrangement. Needed is an industry, NASA-government, Congressional meeting of the minds on all related elements including government flight requirements, (e.g. ISS servicing) and commercial pricing policies. If such a government hand-off to industry could be affected it would, of course, keep the Shuttle Program available for another decade or two should presently unforeseen government needs arise (even today it would be most helpful to have Apollo supply and rescue vehicles that serviced Skylab available for use on the ISS). U. S. Taxpayers Have Not Yet Realized Their Full Return-on-Investment (ROI) From the Shuttle System: + It really works; it is not just a briefing chart promise. + It has much life remaining and could be the key to the identification and development of new systems. + It is man-rated and safe–probably as safe as any manned system will be-no others will get over one hundred flights down the learning curve. + The infrastructure is in place and operational and has provided industry through extensive, hands-on participation with the depth of training necessary to assume total system accountability. + To replace the Orbiter capabilities will take decades and billions. Decommissioning the Space Shuttle should be postponed indefinitely. George W. Jeffs

Put USA manned spaceflight program under DOD--- expand x37B & get shuttle like capability back!

DOD might as well take this over, this is the only way we can ensure our national security!

NOVA - Official Website | The Case to Save the Shuttle

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/case-save-shuttle.html


Sent from my iPad

No manned ops for ten or more years. Capability to repair Hubble & other spacecraft gone. Discarded a multi billion program with 50 percent life remaining, totally illogical! Destroyed a critical national security asset! To control earth orbit, the USA will have to regain capability on crash basis--- very costly. Inability to control earth orbit is not an option!