First, you are not going to get any useful information from a post titled "Duh!" At least not usually, and never if it's from me.

Second, the guy defined the Shuttle. That was the "Duh!" Obviously I thought that was self-evident, but I notice you are surprised. I didn't set out to fool you, that was just a pleasant, unintended consequence. Kinda funny.

Third, I know squat about launching stuff to space. Diddly-squat. Nothing.

And, finally, I do know that sending up a monstrous machine with 7 people every time you want to take something there is probably inefficient. I recall the largest part of ISS was delivered by a Russian rocket, as the only thing on Earth big enough to get it there. If the US had a less expensive way to service the ISS it might have been a bit cheaper. Every Shuttle launch costs as much as a Mars probe.

I'm sorry for the disappointment, though I have to say it was your expectations rather than my luring you with the not very suggestive "Duh!" title. I wish I'd known you were so gullible - I would have saved my credibility until I could have sold you something.

Arf