[MadIvan]

Here is my question: how long did they originally think shuttles would serve for - what was their "retirement" date?

Regards, Ivan

[RedWhiteBlue]

We only part to meet again,
though mighty boundless waves may sever.
Remembrance oft shall bring thee near,
and I with thee will go forever.

And oft at midnight's silent hour,
when brilliant planets shall guide the ocean,
thy name will rise to heaven's highest star,
and mingle with my soul's devotion.

[MrNatural]

Here is my question: how long did they originally think shuttles would serve for - what was their "retirement" date?..

Ivan, the shuttle's airframe was originally certified for 100 flights; however, the
shuttles were intended to fly much more often. The Columbia was therefore like
an automobile that had only been driven 20K miles but was 30 years old.

There's a reason why car makers say five years or 50,000 miles,

[William McKinley]

100 flights.

The Columbia was around flight 21 or so for it. They were talking about this on the radio as I was driving home.

[LibertyGirl77]

I heard on the radio this morning that 1999 was the original timeline for replacement (not retrofitting) of the shuttle fleet, but because of budget cuts, they put the project on the back burner.