gbaikie said:

"I don't think an immediate termination if you are speaking of within one or two years is likely- because we just spend a considerable amount tax payer funds getting the Shuttle ready to fly"

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There have been countless times that I've seen a wind tunnel or research factility undergo a major upgrade and then immediately be shutdown. A major upgrade is almost symptomatic of a program facing cancellation. The system is not rational. I've said this before but NASA's management model could be replaced by a pretty girl in a string bikini spinning a roulette wheel. I'm really hoping (dreaming) that Michael Griffin will change this. He's the last hope / messiah all rolled up in one.

Gary