In an earlier response to Buck Galaxy, I cautioned against having satisfaction about grounding the Space Shuttle. The enemies of Space Exploration (who are both clever and subtle) are always looking for excuses to shutdown the Space Program. Check out the following editorial:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/28/AR2005072801746.html

This editorial follows a standard form that the enemies have used for decades, i.e. manned space exploration is dangerous and expensive therefore we should only explore space with robots. The author of such an opinion is typically well aware that once the human element is removed then Space Exploration becomes just another scientific activity like nuclear fusion or cancer research. Once Space Exploration is seen as just another scienitific actvity then it must compete toe-to-toe for funding against more prosaic science. However because Space Exploration involves radically new technology it is intrinsicly more expensive than prosaic science. Prosaic science always trumps Space Exploration if the only basis for funding is raw-science-return / cost. It's the human aspect that keeps Space Exploration alive including unmanned activity. We must be vigilant against the subtle deceits of Space Exploration's enemies.

Gary