[jehosophat]

I agree that space has not adequately been a national priority, in fact under President Carter the Space Budget was practically devastated. Yet, the shuttle was unrealistically oversold from the beginning! The origina proposal was for 40 flights a year. This is insanity for an outrageously expensive and dangerous system. Let's return to sanity and keep it simple when we effectively continue our space program where we left it around 1970.

[RightWhale]

space has not adequately been a national priority

It hasn't been a priority and one wonders why not. It seems at odds with development of an advanced industrial society to not have a vigorous space program--until you realize that it can't be automated. Space development so far is labor-intensive and is not compatable with any other modern industry, including the defense industry. The space program is nothing but research and development and will remain so until the decision is made to develop outer space for its unlimited natural resources. The gov't, due to its nature and mission, will not lead the way. It's up to industry to create this economic sector.

[bicycle thug]

I've never seen any aircraft, or other high speed, low drag vehicle not be oversold when the appropriations game is played in D.C. Why just pick on the shuttle?

Many complex A/C don't become effective long after deployment, and undergo updates on equipment and gear on them as well as see some other stuff go outdated at the same time. I'm sure you could expound this into another index of Murphey's Law axioms about expensive flying contraptions. So I consider this a reality that is a non issue, with all due respect.

Nah, the eary disposible space craft era was glorious, but the core concept of reuse that the shuttle promoted is the right way to go.