🚀 go-pugleaf

   All this shuttle bashing has made me think...

   I agree we need a low cost people mover, and a low cost cargo mover
AFTER the space station is built.   I hear a lot of complaining that the
multi-purpose approach to the shuttle was wrong.  Well, when the shuttle
was designed we needed a multi-purpose vehicle to accomplish our long-term
objectives.  At the time, all we had was an expensive way to get people
to orbit, cargo to orbit, or people to the moon.  One shot at a time.

   The main point I want to make is that you NEED the shuttle to build
the space station.  Sure, I think using the shuttle as a science platform
is ridiculous, why bring your lab up and bring it down all the time.  Leave
it up there!  Just bring what you need TO it.  Once the station is built,
then we need some new alternatives.  However the shuttle has done a great
job at being an all-purpose vehicle and has given us the experience in a
multitude of space uses.  Not just one-shots to the moon, now we know
how to build, do science, retrieve satellites, repair satellites etc...

   I think what we need next is, a people launcher, a cargo launcher,
an in-orbit vehicle (for satellite maint. IF economical), and long-term:
moon shuttle, and interplanetary vehicle.  Then we are on our way to
extending the future of the human race.

Lee