A follow up to my previous response - The Air Force has been argueing for it's own manned space plane for many years. Duplication of resources and inter-agency resource fighting has not allowed that to go forward. That equation just changed.
I think the next manned space vehicle has a high likelihood of being military. Justifiably or not, NASA may no longer be entrusted with the manned space role.
Of course, these are just thoughts right now. Its too early to know what will happen, and as I stated earlier, I am stunned at the loss of a former classmate and friend, feel for the families of all, and feel a great sadness inside myself as the Shuttle program was a great inspiration for me in my own career.
I am stunned at the loss of a former classmate and friend, feel for the families of all, and feel a great sadness inside myself as the Shuttle program was a great inspiration for me in my own career.
We're all stunned. But if this I am sure we will go on.
My prayers to families and FRIENDS.