I think it's a collossal mistake to retire the Shuttle fleet prior to having it's replacement in service. The Russians have proved all too willing to hold us hostage when we have to rely on them for access. I think the private space ventures have a lot of promise but none are heavy lift and aren't man rated yet.
I agree. I don't believe the shuttle should be retired until there is a replacement to keep us going in space. There is still a lot of life, and capability, in the shuttles. I was going to college in FL when the shuttle program started. Seeing and hearing them takeoff is an awesome memory. They will be missed.
I am agree Mark,it is really sad because right now NASA has no as such replacement of this shuttle and it is retired from NASA. And I don't think there is any technical reason behind this.New kitchen cabinets