The Last Ride
July 21st 2011 03:45
Category: Space Probes
Atlantis will be the last space shuttle to be launched into space. Well probable the last shuttle flight.
And an end to a 30 year commitment.The other two shuttles have already retired from service.
There are some rumors that they may be another launch towards the end of this year but it is not confirmed.
NASA is going to be moving in a new direction.The cost of putting humans in low Earth orbit has become extremely expensive.Although it is sad to see these old birds fly age has finally caught up with them.
The space shuttles have flown beyond their used by date and have helped build the international Space Station, launching many satellites. After 30 years of sterling service it is time for new technology to take the shuttle to a new level.
With an ailing economy The Obama administration have cut back on putting cargo into space. It may seem that retire ring the shuttle was not a good idea given that NASA do not have an affective replacement.
The next generation space shuttle is perhaps 4 years away,that’s if it gets approved. In the mean time future “ manned “ space flights will be done with the Russians or the Chinese with American astronauts being the paying passengers.
It is probable that in the not too distant future the role of putting humans into low Earth orbit will be undertaken by private enterprise.
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