The final space shuttle launch

OCDetails

OCDetails

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Wow.. I mean just wow! What a launch! I'm a total nerd from back in the day and used to want to be an astronaut. Well, until I learned what you had to do to become one, and then I changed my mind. :) I've seen it launch a couple times and even saw it land once. My uncle works for ATK (Morton Thiokol) and I've even seen the rocket boosters being built. So here's to the space program and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!!

Oh, and I caught this interesting screenshot from the launch on CNN. Some of those guys don't seem to be paying attention to the launch very much. ;)

eabb2545.jpg
 
No, final launch for any shuttle. The shuttle program is done after this last mission.
 
gt08vapor said:
its just the final luanch for this shuttle, correct.
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I've heard that our federal (NASA) space shuttle program is now over. The Russian program (with no doubt, international astronauts) will be servicing the orbiting manned space station until private contractors have successfully launched their own program. What's next for NASA? I guess we'll just have to stay tuned.

Even though there were several tragedies, I'm sorry to see the shuttle program retired, if what I've heard is true. :(

Bob
 
FUNX725 said:
Even though there were several tragedies, I'm sorry to see the shuttle program retired, if what I've heard is true. :(

Bob
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Yes, the shuttle program is over. The fallout of "wasteful government spending".
 
OCDetails said:
Wow.. I mean just wow! What a launch! I'm a total nerd from back in the day and used to want to be an astronaut. Well, until I learned what you had to do to become one, and then I changed my mind. :) I've seen it launch a couple times and even saw it land once. My uncle works for ATK (Morton Thiokol) and I've even seen the rocket boosters being built. So here's to the space program and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!!

Oh, and I caught this interesting screenshot from the launch on CNN. Some of those guys don't seem to be paying attention to the launch very much. ;)

eabb2545.jpg
Click to expand...

I swear it looks like on of the guys in on autogeek lol
 
According to the NASA website:

Q. How much does it cost to launch a Space Shuttle?
A. The average cost to launch a Space Shuttle is about $450 million per mission.

And that is just the launch the suckers. The cost of the equipment itself is in the billions. The shuttle Endeavor was rolled out in 1992 and NASA says it cost $1.7 billion dollars. I'm sure it isn't cheap to maintain them either.

There really haven't been that many shuttle disasters. Challenger in '86 and Columbia in '03 were the only ones. We had far more difficulty in the pre-shuttle days. In fact, there have been more costly disasters of unmanned launches than the manned ones.

I'm sure it is just to cut costs. I don't know why the government even tries to do that since they are just going to waste it in other places anyway. They could take the money and put it towards creating jobs, but no such luck will be seen I'm sure.
 
Subieski said:
I swear it looks like on of the guys in on autogeek lol
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You don't say.... ;) I wonder if he is looking for someone to buff out the shuttle when it gets back. I want to volunteer first! I've got recent experience polishing ceramic tiles if that helps!
 
I see Facebook and above that one I see What looks like Autogeek..
 
OCDetails said:
You don't say.... ;) I wonder if he is looking for someone to buff out the shuttle when it gets back. I want to volunteer first! I've got recent experience polishing ceramic tiles if that helps!
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Second row, second from the right, looks like autogeek, but maybe not when i look at it closer
 
Subieski said:
Second row, second from the right, looks like autogeek, but maybe not when i look at it closer
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I'm pretty sure it is the autogeek forums. He even looks like he is logged into my account. Wait a second...!
 
This whole let's not explore anymore really irritates me. It will return in my lifetime without a doubt. What a stupid decision to cancel it.
 
When you think about all the things that the shuttle program gave us, it really puts into perspective.
 
Here's the thing though... I'm sure if we want to go to space again then we can just hitch a ride with one of the other countries who are still operating a shuttle program. I see this as just another thing that any family in America has had to do lately. Times are tough, so its time to start seeing what you can do without. Cutting the shuttle program is just the big government version of downgrading our cable service or dropping a line on our phone plan. The idea of letting the private sector come up with something and not taking it out of my pocket is actually the smartest thing I've seen the government do for a very long time. Sure I'll miss my 8000 channels, but I'll get used to borrowing cable from my neighbors until times are better and another solution is found. ;)
 
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