[Fudd]

Reading between the lines from different news stories, I think there is also a problem of aging in the shuttle fleet. Columbia was first launched 22 years ago, and despite the overhauls and maintenance it is still 22 years old. Time takes its toll.

Remember that the shuttle fleet is flying into the unknown. Mercury-Gemini-Apollo used single-flight spacecraft, so longevity of service was not an issue. No other manned spacecraft has made multiple trips to space, and we will find unexpected wear and tear on the shuttle - despite NASA's best efforts.

Bet it makes the shuttle obsolete economically. I think the shuttle already is obsolete economically. It is just that there is no will within NASA to replace it at this time.

[Thebaddog]

With a program this old, you also get the B-team at the helm assuming that everything is OK because that is how it was always done.

I remember a special on one of the cable channels about a typical launch process, and I distinctly remember the weather officer and his pony tail down to his shoulders. Tell me that was acceptable in the good old days when it really mattered.