Will NASA extend the life of the Space Shuttle? |
News - Science News | |||
Written by Hugh McManus | |||
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The Space Shuttle is due for retirement in 2010, leaving the US with no heavy lifting capability to service the Space Station. A new rocket system doesn't come on-line until 2015. In the intervening five years, the US had planned to rely on the Russian program. Recent events in Georgia have politicians and NASA officials alike rethinking this option. An internal memo, leaked on August 29, revealed that NASA is considering extending the Shuttle program to fill the gap. The challenge facing NASA is that the Shuttle requires a head to toe safety check. Just like aircraft, the check involves full dismantling and reassembly of the system, something for which NASA had no contingency plans. No decision has been made, but with US/Russian relations deteriorating and 2010 looming a decision is required soon!
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