[_Jim]

Don't you think the best minds possessing BS, MS and PhD degrees have beat this design nearly to death to perfect it?

Do you think the space shuttle design was just the result of a senior class project handed out by an overly-driven teaching assitant?

Holey Moses man!

What did you expect me to say?

[NormsRevenge]

Your point is well taken. The shuttle wasn't built by DUmmies.. I remember the first launch and landing. A lot of folks were sure it would fall like a rock from the sky.. And it did.. but it fell gracefully.. and landed like a bird.

Can we do better? Sure. Show our engineers the money and we can do it better, safer and cheaper. That's if space exploration is made a priority again, and not just a hobby for some politicians.

[Will_Zurmacht]

Sorry to disturb you, I have obviously touched a nerve, I was just posing a simple question. I had been reading other threads debating the design. Many came down harshly on it as being a compromise, hodge podge. The main reason was cost. Other folks tended to blame Jimmy Carter. Other folks insist on ending manned space flight altogether.

My question for you, the ALMIGHTY EXPERT, is this:

Is this honestly the best we can do? If you, in your expert opinion say yes, well then fine with me. I'll just get used to the pictures eventually. Soon, the funerals will seem almost routine, and you won't be bothered with our questions.

Being a naive simpleton, I always thought NASA and the space program was about improving, testing, and stretching out limits. Making it Better, and achieving great things.