No, the ISS should be de-orbited, and the shuttle design should be replaced with a next generation system. As Larry pointed out before, the shuttle allows for the placement of modules into space without them having to have their own propulsion system built in. This saves lots of room and weight that could be better used accommodating crew or equipment. The problem with the current shuttle is that it IS the launch vehicle, when it should be separate from the launcher.
Notice how on Buran, the main engines are NOT on the orbiter, but are located on the Energia HLLV.
This makes the launcher much more flexible as it can launch a wide assortment of payloads. Energia is able to carry payloads either piggyback or mounted on top. The booster rockets (Zenit) can be used as launchers in their own right as well.
Space/Science » in reply to About 18Gs
In there current forms?