The Apollo 13 mission and the repairs and upgrades to the Hubble argue that there is a role for manned space flight. And sooner or later, I am convinced we will find something out in the solar system that will require a permanent manned facility supplied and supported from Earth regardless of the cost and risk. There are hundreds of worlds out there, most are worthless lumps of ice and slag, but there will also be unimaginable treasure.

I just fear that overly optimistic plans, through their failures to deliver, will only jeopardize more complex and ambitious (but highly worthwhile) missions in the future. Yes, I realize its a judgement call and it is difficult to plan for an unknown. I also understand we sometimes have to develop capabilities before they are needed so they will be online whenever they are needed.

But that's the way I see it.