The focus should have been on the space plane/shuttle/ship instead of capsules. People are nostalgic and want to relive their youth. Can’t really do alot or go really with capsules. No one really had to invest a lot of money for capsules because we already had the technology and notes. This is why I am not as enthusiastic like others here.
Investing in something other than a capsule would require work, time, and money. In this day and age no one wants to do that.
Hopefully the plane will arrive soon.
It’s all about the cost. The shuttle was not cost effective and SpaceX is supposed to make money.
Plus I don’t think we ever lost a capsule on re-entry, IIRC.
That's what they make Wall Street for.
The private sector is now taking up the charge, and doing a damn site better than NASA ever did. The shuttle was a dangerous, ungainly and hideous boondoggle. I'm glad it's retired.
A "space plane" is in the works (and space)....X37-B. I liked the "Sanger" concept from decades ago.
I imagine that money has a lot to do with this. I imagine it’s cheaper to do it this way. And a return trip with just people in a huge craft, just doesn’t seem efficient.
Capsules were done because of how the Shuttle and VentureStar burned everyone and because there was no time to get one of those working if we wanted American craft to lift American crews unless you wanted to be at the mercy of the Russians for decades. There are other craft coming and the Brits are working on a true space plane.