[Atlas Sneezed]

"Why is not every mission equipped with the ability to dock with the ISS and why is not every mission required to have an additional shuttle in backup role in case of the need to rescue a crew. That would limit the crews to about 4 persons"

But then there would be no room for teachers, congressmen, and token representatives of foreign allies!

[xzins]

A smaller payload would allow for more people, I suppose. But political passengers should be a far lower priority than research passengers.

[southland]

I agree with your post. We have no business flying foreigners and others just for publicity. We get too much negative press when something screws up. Lokk at Challenger... we killed a school teacher.. what for??
This time we killed an Isralei. and again what for??