[Well, Marcia, to Mars, it's not in the capsule that they'll be living; just like with the space station: they don't spend their time in the capsule (except occasionnaly or when they want to have a real look at stars and need to be in a completely dark environment;).]

Yes, I know. I was just thinking of a 'capsule' for Earth re-entry or 'splashdown'. lol

I'm bringing up the capsule issue, as you have, on the principle of 'safety'... not putting down the shuttle fleet, by any means. It's a grand idea that came true. Before ISS, they served as labs and now as a great tool in building ISS itself. They've proved that a manned re-usable space and Earth re-entry vehicle IS possible. Their lift-offs AND re-entries are sorely missed from Florida skies.

Marcia
- Note that the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia accidents happened during Florida's 'Winter' season. I know, different causes for the accidents.