Griffin understands the shuttle isn't for the future anymore.

I wonder about the ISS: should it even be built to the size that it was meant for ?
If the Shuttle can't be used for its operational life, what about the ISS crew size and purpose, once the shuttle isn't there? Is the ATV going to be even more needed than we think today?
Won't the ATV builders want to see return from investment?
The countries building the refurbishment modules will decide on the fate and aim of the ISS because it's those modules that will make it live or die.
There's one thing about the ISS that is vital: it is in space, at the moment, it is manned and it works.
We can't go to Mars if we don't solve the technical problems encoutered by the station, so we learn from its operational use.

Raoul