>>Sounds like the fix would take about two days, a screwdriver, and some programming.<<

Yeah, right. You should know that software changes to a manned spacecraft are subjected to extensive testing. Also, putting the APUs and landing gear/drag chute under computer control would require producing and installing some new wiring harnesses.

>>I expect NASA would charge fifty million to get it done.<<

NASA wouldn't do the charging - its contractor would. And yeah, given the safety aspects of the mods, it would cost a lot to accommodate the testing.

>>And whoever decided to eliminate an autoland capability needs his head examined.<<

That was the result of conservatism. Since there is no way to retract the landing gear, placing it totally outside the control of the GPCs was seen as a way to ensure unintended gear extension during the mission.

-Kim-