I think NASA should just give up

[scramjet]

I am amazed they did NOT go ahead to come up with viable replacements as soon as 1986 !!!!
Alain

They did. The National Aerospace Plane which was in part scramjet powered (yeah, I power everything baby). Some conceptual work was done and some components I believe were actually produced before it was cancelled. Then the X-33 was slated to replace the shuttle in the 90s but then that was cancelled. The bottom line is there has been many NASA and/or defense spacecraft proposals but practically all have been cancelled. I almost wonder if the new CEV won't end up being cancelled in favor of using Russia's proposed new aerodynamic craft. Although the CEV has a better chance because it is supposedly mainly off the shelf components. The Air Force, according to a reputable source (Aviation Week and Space Technology), recently retired a secret two stage completely resuable manned spacecraft called Blackstar. Seeing as it is retired and to some extent publicly known (although from what I understand the USAF hasn't admitted to it yet) this technology should be given over to NASA. The ship(s) apparently had a good operational record.

[ualwillstand]

I dont think they should develop anything.. Is space really that important? by finding life on mars or any other planet really worth the billions of dollars wasted every launch? I think its crap and we should use the governments money a little better. Maybe to help improve our country rather than worrying about the neverending black abis.

[Top_Gun]

I dont think they should develop anything.. Is space really that important? by finding life on mars or any other planet really worth the billions of dollars wasted every launch? I think its crap and we should use the governments money a little better. Maybe to help improve our country rather than worrying about the neverending black abis.

I couldn't agree with you more, I keep wondering the same thing. Are we getting our money's worth with what we found out from going to the moon, sending some ship to mars? I doubt it, put that money towards finding some cure for cancer or something else.

[scramjet]

I dont think they should develop anything.. Is space really that important? by finding life on mars or any other planet really worth the billions of dollars wasted every launch? I think its crap and we should use the governments money a little better. Maybe to help improve our country rather than worrying about the neverending black abis.

I agree with you. Government should get out of manned flights and let commercial ventures take over for space tourism, mining, etc and non profits for scientific exploration

[NWA 757 351]

i wonder how the Russians are going in terms of their Space program? Maybe the US and Russia could develop a space craft together.

What ever happened with their "Buran" program?That thing hasn't ever flown. Let me guess, the structure on the outside was complete, and the inside was empty..