[Lancey Howard]

I claim no expertise whatsoever in the matter, so my opinion is worth little. But in general, does anyone think this is an idea that might have some merit?

I like your thinking. You are at least trying to come up with some ideas, options.

Your post is very refreshing in light of so many other posters I have read around here recently. The "give-it-up-it's-hopeless-there's-nothing-they-could-do" crowd - - people I definitely would not want in my foxhole.

Regards,
LH

[TLBSHOW]

Since 1999 the launch system has experienced the following potential disastrous occurrences:

July 1999 - Space Shuttle Columbia delayed by hydrogen leak.

December 1999 - Space Shuttle Discovery was grounded with damaged wiring, contaminated engine, dented fuel line, and paper work errors.

January 2000 - Space Shuttle Endeavor is delayed because of wiring and computer failures.

March 2000 - Space Shuttle Atlantis main engine must be replaced because of paperwork errors.

August 2000 - Inspection of Space Shuttle Columbia reveals 3,500 defects in wiring. Wiring defects plague entire fleet.

October 2000 - The 100th flight of the space shuttle was delayed because of a misplaced safety pin and concerns with the external tank.

April 2001 - NASA failed to keep adequate watch on safety operations of a major contractor.

July 2002 - The inspector general reports that space shuttle safety program not properly managed.

April 2002 - Hydrogen leak forces scrub of the Atlantis flight.

August 2002 - Shuttle launch system grounded after fuel line cracks are discovered in all the fleet!

Dec. 12, 2002 another Shuttle propellant leak found!