I was frankly relieved when I heard about this new grounding of the shuttles. I know NASA is resourceful, but if they can't make these things significantly more reliable, then maybe they should be retired now and the freed-up money and energy directed toward the new systems.

It wouldn't mean we'd have to abandon our space station commitements, would it? Rather, it'd mean they'd have to be delayed for a few years until other vehicles became ready. (Or am I wrong?)

I remember watching the early shuttle tests and launches on TV, and thinking it was an awesome successor to the Saturn V. But maybe the experiment has run its course and it's time--right now--to move on.

So, we go to Mars on a new pair of wings...which bear a certain resemblance to an old pair. But an old pair that served us pretty well, I suppose.