The shuttle's long goodbye

Steven Harris — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:18:42 GMT

I can not wait until the moon exploration missions NASA is pushing for become a reality. I also look forward to the shuttles, wherever they end up, ending up in American history where my children can see them in museums. The space station receiving all those items, the polishing of our nations hard work;

It is a fascinating time we live in.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Joe Hayes, Phoenix, Arizona — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:32:27 GMT

Going back to the moon is a great move for our future,but without a space presence of our own until 2015, is a bad move. The shuttle is a great vehicle and would be a shame not to keep flying them until we at least have the new vehicle ready. Leave space exploration out of the politicions hands and put it back with the people who fund this program, the American people. GO DISCOVERY, ATLANTIS, AND ENDEAVOUR!!!!!!!!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Paul Weber, Fort Worth, Texas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:36:29 GMT

Date/time of last launch: August 8, 2010, 10:54am Eastern time

The shuttle's long goodbye

Greg Paul — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:38:50 GMT

My guess for the last shuttle flight is October 11th, 2010. I'm proud of our efforts to conitnued space exploration, and look forward to the news flash that we have landed a colony on Mars.

Goooooooo America.....

The shuttle's long goodbye

Alex — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:48:11 GMT

December 11, 2017 is my guess for the last shuttle mission.

We all know the government couldn't develop an effective new government quickly if they tried.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Crystal Smith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:51:28 GMT

My 6 year old son loves everything about the space program. We follow all the news of the Shuttles and future programs. He thinks the Saturn V is the ultimate rocket, so I can't wait to tell him the Ares V will be even bigger and longer. He has dreams of someday going to the moon or Mars so maybe he'll ride an Ares rocket one day!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mike Mayle — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:53 GMT

It's really too bad that Nasa did not have a replacement for the current shuttle program before retiring this one.We must now rely on others to take us into space.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Jeff, Colorado Springs, Co — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:01:10 GMT

i have dreaded the day i would see an article like this!!

i am looking forward to the moon missions, but will miss the shuttle program dearly!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Tom Young, Lawrence, Massachusetts — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:16:36 GMT

We stand at the edge of a promise. The Shuttle fleet has valiantly served us. The last lift off will most likely be in August of 2010. Then it will be time to hand off this responsibility to a future vehicle that will again bring us to the moon and beyond. The possibilities are no less exciting than that fateful day in July 39 years ago. And to paraphrase one of the 20th century's greatest men, "We will continue to choose to do these things; not because they are easy, but because they are hard!"

The shuttle's long goodbye

Christy May, Heartland Texas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:24:28 GMT

I believe the final flight will take place on my birthday September 21, 2010. I would love to be there
in person. That will be my 46th birthday.....How
awesome would that be.....I hope I am right on the target !!!!!!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mike Linder — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:32:21 GMT

June 22, 2010 9am is my guess.

The shuttle's long goodbye

GIF, Raleigh NC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:36:00 GMT

I am saddened that NASA is repeating their mistakes when they abandoned the Apollo/Saturn V rockets for the Space Shuttle, and NASA did not fly for over a decade and all of the "living" knowledge from Apollo/Saturn V was lost. NASA simply cannot do anything right, where they should have a Space Shuttle replacement long ago, running in transition from the Space Shuttle to its replacement. Now, NASA wants to go back to the "improved" Apollo/Saturn V to go to the moon and abandon the living knowledge of the Space Shuttle. What a waste of taxpayer money...

China, Russia, and EU will soon become the new leaders of the space race. USA will become second rate. Very tragic.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Larry Doty — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:39:11 GMT

With the space shuttles out of commission in 2010 and the next generation of space vehicle is not to go into commission until 2015. How are they going to keep the completed space station manned and supplied? Has Congress and NASA thought about that?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Joe Knight Winston Salem,NC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:41:39 GMT

I think we should keep the shuttles and expand the space station. We could assemble a space ship there to go to mars and beyond that wouldn't require huge rockets and vast amounts of fuel to escape earths gravity. The so called Orion space craft is just rehashed Apollo technology from the 60s. Are we going to go backwards or forwards. The problem with Nasa and America are that we don't develop long term plans and stick with them. Improve the shuttle program, don't retire it.Lets build on what we have instead of throwing it all away and starting over. Joe Knight

The shuttle's long goodbye

tylor,beaufort,sc — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:42:04 GMT

what???
fyi:we are gonna put americans on russian space flights for a short while after the shuttle.
we are gonna put our lives in enemy hands for close to 5 yrs...
way to go idiots...

fyi: the enterprise shuttle should go to the smithsonian b/c of its history...we need to make sure that history never forgets the name enterprise...lets be smart about this ppl

The shuttle's long goodbye

ARTHUR E. WASHER — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:44:27 GMT

WELL IF CONGRESS HAS ITS WAY WE WILL ALL BE BROKE !BUT REALLY SHOULD SEE THE WATER RISING SOON ! FLA DOES EITHER SINK OR TURNS INTO THE GULF AND SITS IN A TILTED WAY ! SO FLA IS GOING SOONER OR LATER ! NOW TO SAVE NASA THEY SHOULD MOVE INTO THE DESERT OR INTO THE SECRET PLACE AREA 51 SO IT STAYS HI AND DRY !ADVICE TO NASA FIND IT TO BE TRUE OK?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Andrew McMahon, Washington DC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:45:12 GMT

My guess for the last mission is July 20, 2010. NASA loves symbolism, and it would be appropriate that the last mission launched on the 41st anniversary of the lunar landing.

The shuttle's long goodbye

amgeneica rouse — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:46:15 GMT

I think it fair to state that all parties must be reasonable in their approach to looking back into the years of flight. Reality, Logic and logicstics will prove out and I have no surprise, being an ol'dayton flyboy myself, that being central to the country, in a time proven manner, and being able to draw the crowds of people, foriegn tourist with money to spend, would ultimately fan out across the USA in a veru equalized manner. After all, we're in globalization mode presently, and well into the future...As for last launch date, I choose Sept 22 2010 for some premise reason.. just a feeling...

The shuttle's long goodbye

Alan T Lehmann, Melbourne, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:46:44 GMT

The last flight of a space shuttle will be 10/16/2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

John Wilmas, Hazelwood, MO — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:48:03 GMT

Going back to the moon is nice and all, but we should really be focusing on a mars mission. The moon offers nothing of value...unless you like rocks....a lot...ever wonder why we havent gone back yet..its boring there...mars is where the excitement will be!!!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dave, Overland Park, KS — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:49:34 GMT

Discovery should be in the Smithsonian.

Atlantis should come to rest at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville Alabama.

Endeavour must be in the middle of the country - At the Kansas Cosmosphere, along side Liberty Bell 7.

Send Enterprise to Palmdale, in a purpose-built, classy facility.

If we spread them out, everyone gets to have a chance to view American space history.

The shuttle's long goodbye

John Nelson, Chesterton, IN. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:50:52 GMT

July 4 2010 will be the last flight.

The shuttle's long goodbye

william vandemark , Ithaca ,new york — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:54:23 GMT

february 3rd 2011 1pm

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dan Fontaine — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:55:04 GMT

What, or who, is going to take the place of the shuttle until the Orion vehicle and the rockets are ready and the US needs to make a manned flight into space? Rely on the Russians? Not a great idea. Classic poor planning by the same organization that brought us the shuttle disasters...

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bill Hopkins,London,Ky. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:57:57 GMT

What will happen to the people in the space station when the shuttle is retired who will continue to supply the space station and rotate new crew members .

The shuttle's long goodbye

Matt Brookhart, Chicago — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:58:53 GMT

It would be nice to have one of the shuttles retire to the Museum of Flight in Everett, Washington, right across the highway from the Boeing plant that currently produces the 747,767,777 & 787. make for a nice field trip to tour both facilities. Time for reimbursement for the loss of the the Mighty Mo battleship.

The shuttle's long goodbye

George Moss, Edison, New Jersey — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:01:56 GMT

I feel that there will be a few problems that will push the final shuttle flight to 2/8/12

The shuttle's long goodbye

Randall Davis, Wichita, KS — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:04:07 GMT

Great project to be affiliated with and worked on most of them with the exception of the Endeavor in the 80's.

The shuttle's long goodbye

ROBERT COX FORT GAINES GEORGIA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:06:59 GMT

SEPTEMBER 2,2010 1600 HRS.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Someone in, Space coast, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:10:16 GMT

There is talk of 2 more external tanks being ordered.... Florida better get one of the orbiters!

The shuttle's long goodbye

ALEX MAHAN, FRESNO, CA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:10:46 GMT

11/11/2008 2 P.M.---THE FINAL SHUTTLE LAUNCH

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dirk Krueger, Buffalo, Wy — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:11:46 GMT

I also cannot wait for the moon exploration missions. But I wonder what is going to replace the shuttle in the context of supplying the space station with crews and replacement materials.

The shuttle's long goodbye

J Mansen, Bedford, TX — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:13:35 GMT

I predict the last mission will be an emergency one 11/23/2010

The shuttle's long goodbye

Kirby Buchanan, Chicago, IL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:15:34 GMT

Why not do something useful with the retiring of the Space Shuttle Atlantis by turning it into a nuclear powered deep space explorer. Heck, send it on a long distance unmanned mission. Why the heck not, Those alien life forms could possibly come across it and send us one of theirs!!

Send it into deep space to one of those possible life supporting earth like planets!!!!!

Disclaimer: Nasa if your reading this and steal my idea I'll have to sue!!! LOL

The shuttle's long goodbye

Rob C. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:17:06 GMT

When Columbia lifted off on its first mission it was hailed as the future of space travel. I honestly think that NASA is taking a big step backward by retiring these reusable vehicles and going back to using rockets and capsules that are only good for one trip. Why not develop a new shuttle that can take off like a jet airplane, rocket into low earth orbit and re-enter the atmosphere and land like an airplane?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Richard Johnson, Kansas City, Missouri — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:17:15 GMT

Our Space Agency is like a 18 year old with a 6th grade education. With such advancements in Technology there is no reason why we have a Space Station that looks like something out of a Cracker Jack Box. Can anyone tell me why NASA is not up to date?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Benedict Elchlepp,Tucson,Ariz. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:17:55 GMT

The Shuttle is like the DC-3..(Gooney Bird)..and we are in a hurry for its demise..Russia,Japan, and China have a vehicle oddly looking just like our Shuttle, which is state of the art at the moment....BILLIONS AND BILLIONS sent to Iraq, but Science and exploration take a back seat again...Where are our priorities?????

The shuttle's long goodbye

melody mcconnell phoenix, arizona — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:20:38 GMT

I can't wait till we see more moon landings. Why did we stop after one try? I love space and the unknown.
What will we be flying next after the shuttle

The shuttle's long goodbye

Wayne, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:20:39 GMT

What a remarkable program the shuttle has been, full of triumph and tragedy! It will definitely go down in history as one of the greats, and we can only hope that Congress has the will and wisdom to continue to fund human spaceflight. I hope NASA is able to safely return us to the moon and beyond on the shoestring budget that they've been given, relative to the Apollo era appropriations.

I predict the final space shuttle will launch on Halloween 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Alan Lau, Pacoima, CA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:21:15 GMT

Considering the role played by Rocketdyne in the development and manufacturing of the Space Shuttle Main Engines and the outfitting of the shuttles done in Palmdale, CA, I think it would be quite fitting for one of the shuttles to have a permanent home in Southern CA.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Tom, Phoenix, Az — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:21:50 GMT

You're right, Steven.
Although the Shuttle program will always be debated, the mark that it has left will remain solid. I cut my
engineering teeth on the beast in the early eighties. And while I will always ask "why the hell are we spending so much" on this, I will never forget the opportunities, and inspiration, that the program has provided. You're right, it's one of our bright spots.

The shuttle's long goodbye

joseph j. smith,whittier,ca — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:22:23 GMT

last mission: 12-24-2010. how will you get space stationpeople home if no more shuttle

The shuttle's long goodbye

Kevin Lane, aliso viejo Ca — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:29:39 GMT

Every Space Shuttle was built in Southern California.
The first test flight was here....the first landing was here. To not house a retired Shuttle in califonia would be a slap in the face to everyone who worked so hard on this program.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mike Valentin chicago, il — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:37:46 GMT

NASA has been the pinnacle of this great nation. It will be hard to see the shuttle go, but like every great piece of machinery it has to be retired to be a fantastic part of the American history. It's also exciting to see the new ship in action!!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Robert, Everett, WA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:43:22 GMT

The shuttles Challenger and Columbia (should be made as monuments where they fell. Those locations will have other rockets to see taking off (we hope). By the way what will the newer space vehicles look like and how will they support/supply ISS (International Space Station) or do we hand that job off to another member of the ISS?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Curtis Garfield — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:46:23 GMT

It is a mistake to retire the shuttles. Yet another mistake by Bush. Why would we cut off the US's only means to get to the ISS, FOR 5+ YEARS!?!?!

This is an insane time we live in....

The shuttle's long goodbye

Joe Mixon — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:47:59 GMT

Simple question to everyone, how will the space station be resupplied with needed items and will it be mothballed for 5 to 10 years while NASA is working on the next generation, how will crews be changed out, if the Hubble has a problem how will it be fixed. Lots of questions but so far no real answers. It is a fascinating time to be alive but politics is politics and our government cannot agree on anything. Good luck to us all.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Martin Wade , Jackson, Mississippi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:48:17 GMT

I remember when I was a child and my grandfather told me tales of the wright brothers flying the first plane and what it meant to him. He remembered just what he was doing when they made their historic flight. I remember when we landed on the moon for the first time...I was watching it on TV from Vietnam and was thrilled beyond belief as I saw science fiction become science fact before my eyes. I look forward to the new era of space exploration and hope that I live to see the first manned mission to land on mars. Yes indeed, exciting times that we live in.

The shuttle's long goodbye

most of America — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:49:04 GMT

finally a stupid idea put to rest. duh rockets need no wings and splashdowns are the safest launch and re-entry with TWO STAGE SINGLE BODY ROCKETS!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Ozrel Holeman, Sparta, TN 38583 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:51:03 GMT

Are there any Nasa Space programs, or activities that lend themselves to spy photography. That is to warn or alert peace keeping nations of any potentiel nuke attacks on such nations?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Lee Chamberland, Berkley, Ma — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:51:32 GMT

I think the last mission will be on July 13 of 2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bob F. Rio Rancho New Mwxico — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:53:15 GMT

the last flight will be 5/8/2011

The shuttle's long goodbye

Kevin Boldt Marysville, Washington — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:54:32 GMT

I think the final shuttle mission will be EST 6AM on July 6, 2010. Let me know...

The shuttle's long goodbye

Space jockey — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:55:28 GMT

IF the US does not plan to use the shuttles after 2010, could they not be sold or rented out to other nations who might have active satellite launching missions in place? Also, we shouldn't give up on our space exploration. We are living in the tiniest corner of an expanding universe and for all we know, we might be the least intelligent creatures out there. Let us go find the others and go forth with a message of peace...

The shuttle's long goodbye

john tucker — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:56:02 GMT

as a child in a small country school my principal had the foresigjt to turn the radio on for us to hear the first Mercury missions. I have followed most space flights since. I always wanted to meet the astronauts and flight controllers but never have. The shuttle was well worth the long wait. What a beautiful machine. I can't wait to go back to the moon.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dr. Welburne D. Johnson, II, Cookeville, TN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:58:03 GMT

Whoa. "Jingle Mail" extends to space. The U.S. taxpayer, who financed this $100+ billion lab, will cede de-facto control to the Russians who have the only ride to the station - the Soyuz. When the next wave of U.S. "fiscal disappointments" hit, the Congress will summarily abandon the next human spaceflight vehicles. The catalyst for this unfortunate event will be the consequences of 'Peak-Oil' (such as the inevitable appearance of hours-long gas station waiting lines as soon as the summer of 2010, followed by gasoline rationing). And, we'll see the sequels of the mortgage meltdown - Alt-A and option ARM resets, which worsen through mid 2011. As someone who has met many of the pioneering Apollo astronauts, the notion of our fiscal irresponsibility deeply saddens me. The public will conclude that other crises will trump human U.S. space expansion efforts. Human space exploration will probably be left to the efforts of others for at least a generation. We can lay the foundation for the next space renaissance by private and public support for next-gen concepts such as: laser launch vehicles and advanced robotics using nanotechnology. Dedicated research in advanced technology may seed a near cornucorpian era of 'Exo-terran' resources over the next 50 years. These space derived resources will supplement the likely 'recycle everything' mantra that will replace our disposable comsumerist culture. And, with Grace, by mid millennium, a 'Pan-Solar' civilization with Trillions of affluent citizens will chronicle the 21st century as "The Age of Transition."

The shuttle's long goodbye

Harold Mitnick, Palm Harbor, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:22 GMT

I think a 5 year lag time with no manned space craft shows a serious lack of planning. As does the return of Apollo type capsules.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Gary Rice, South Prairie, Wa. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:46 GMT

In this order:

1. The Smithsonian
2. Florida
3. Texas

The shuttle's long goodbye

Anthony J. Zajac, Dallas, GA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:05:04 GMT

Last shuttle mission will be September 16, 2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bob Wood, Fort Worth Tx — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:07:24 GMT

A shuttle in Houston is an obvious must.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mike — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:08:19 GMT

Going to toss my guess in for launch date and time, Sep 4th 2010 @ 1:53p

It will be interesting to see what actually will come next once the Shuttle fleet is retired.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Derek — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:09:26 GMT

Ok, so what do we use for a heavy lift vehicle when the station needs to be repaired? What if a section fails that only the shuttle could change out? Do we just abandon the station because we have no way to repair it, just supply it?

In addition to a Moon and Mars mission we MUST develope a single or two stage to orbit craft that is FULLY REUSEABLE. Something similar to the Space Ship One concept. We need airliner like access to space and stop throwing away billions or "one shot" rockets!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Stacy Shaw Central Point OR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:23:20 GMT

Last Flight: 9/30/2010

The shuttle's long goodbye

M. G. Japan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:23:55 GMT

Having been part of the Shuttle program and then in later years the International Space Station, I know first hand of all the cost overruns incurred. It is so costly to maintain all those 6 figure jobs of countless Engineers who a great majority of time produce not a whole lot of work. I wonder what the country will do with no space flight from 2010 to 2015, I guess let the Japanese, and Europeans take over space.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Brennan Smith, Yokota AB, Japan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:26:53 GMT

June 07, 2010 is my guess as the last flight.

The shuttle's long goodbye

chris, Tulsa, OK — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:30:02 GMT

I Agree with 99% of people here, The Shuttle program has been a shining example of human triumph, but it has also been a shining example of how politics and government once again fail us all. If we can spend hundreds of billions of dollars to find a guy in a hole. why can we not spare the money to fund additional shuttle missions, and use the newly developed technologies to make the shuttle safer, and more capable.
One final Thought, Nasa claims the shuttle is too expensive and too risky to keep in business, says who.. historically every challenge, and every incident that has occured at nasa has been because of a lack of communication, and a lack of ownership of problems. why is a lack of money any different. its the same thing we all face, but most of us figure it out.. surely 10000 of the worlds smartest people can help fill the shuttles coffers for at least another 5 years.
just my 2 cents.

The shuttle's long goodbye

joaquin Baca, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:31:11 GMT

Final Flight August 2, 2012

The shuttle's long goodbye

Chance, Siloam Springs, AR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:31:12 GMT

The shuttle fleet has served well throughout the years, but just like everything else, it must come to an end make way for the new. I am apprehensive that the next generation of space vehicles are years apart from the retiring of our current shuttles. I assume we'll be hitching rides on Russian or other countries crafts to the ISS. If only the government would fund NASA as it ought to be, then who knows where we'd be now.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mike Tracy, Las Vegas NV — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:31:55 GMT

Perhaps we overlook something - if the Hubble is good til 2013, and the Space Station is manned after the last shuttle mission (I predict November 11, 2011) then who/what is going to provide maintenance and support in space until the new Ares/Orion are ready in 2015(or 2017-when was the last NASA on-time project?)? Space exploration is INCREDIBLY important, both scientifically and spiritually. We need to collectively start pressuring our elected officials to INCREASE our space program activity.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Patriot — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:38:54 GMT

What in the heck is Lockheed-Martin doing they were awarded the Orion contract back in Sept. 1, 2006. That contract was for 2.3 Billion dollars and what evidence do the rest of have that we (the nation) is getting their monies worth, none. What are the knuckleheads at GAO doing? There is no cost justification for anything NASA does, just renegotiations of contract, take the first International Space Station that produced nothing and the nation spent billions and that was abandoned. Politics, politics. It is my opinion that Palmdale, California better get a shuttle and a museum. Florida has plenty of museums already.

The shuttle's long goodbye

craig mcmullen washougal wa 98671 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:39:00 GMT

I wonder why we people sit and stew here on earth about the little things when we should be doing things like starting a moon base where we could use the shuttles very cheaply to go between the moon and the station and why arn't we starting a space station to sit above mar's. our children arn't being brought up to look at space as an adventure we need to get going and jump start our people again to believing in somthing other then being lazy . Space and beyond.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Pam Fox Grand junction, Colorado — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:40:59 GMT

I think space exploxation is a much better use of our money, then war every will be. I remember watching all the early launches on television. It was exciting to have real hero's back then. I support space exploration and the way we are killing this planet, we'll need it.
I think the last lanuch date will be Sept 15 2010

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dan, Sheridan, OR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:42:24 GMT

Finally, this fiasco is going to end. The only positive note is that on the last space shuttle mission, astronauts, during a space walk, located some space debris which turned out to be missing luggage from American Airlines flight number 145. HA! HA!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Truth,Greenville,SC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:45:22 GMT

We didnt land on the Moon to begin with and the Shuttle cannot land there either.Why do you think we are trying to go there 40+yrs later.So we can save face when the Japanese do it and find no American flag and show the world what liars we are

The shuttle's long goodbye

Nancy--Morehead City,N.C. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:46:27 GMT

The space program is good, however I think 150 million dollars could be spent more wisely...like looking for natural resources to help the economy...feeding the hungry, etc. The goverment spends to much money on foreign countries. "Charity begins at home". Use the money taking care of our own.

The shuttle's long goodbye

J. Connor — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:56:08 GMT

What a shame to retire a system that has been a proven winner in the past. My father worked on the testing for the early shuttles (Enterprise) and related to me that these vehicles were the saving grace for NASA. Space in the words of "Capt. Kirk" is our final frontier...but remember those of "Capt. Picard" when asked "Where to?" "Out there!" That's where it's at.

The shuttle's long goodbye

James,PHX,Az — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:17:38 GMT

WHY NOT STILL SERVE TO MOON BY SHUTTLEs FOR AWHILE? WILL AMERICA RUN SPACE PROGRAM IN 2010-15?????Because our government messed up our tax $$$$$ to Iraq and other countries. Still waste lots of $$$$. IS AMERICA GOOD HEALTHY OF ECOMONY ??????

The shuttle's long goodbye

Terry Howe, Gold Creek, MT — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:23:37 GMT

August 24, 2010 @ 10:43 am but I hope I am really wrong about guessing the last flight.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Kris Krumrey, escanaba, mi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:23:38 GMT

Response to "Benedict Elchlepp,Tucson,Ariz" Russia's
"space shuttle" otherwise known as the Buran had only 1 launch in 1988 and then the program was shut down in 1993 due to lack of funding after the collapse of the soviet union. The only other country with a similar type of "shuttle" is Japan' they have an unmanned Delta Flyer that is still being developed and tested. Lastly, everybody PLEASE PAY ATTENTION.... Before the space shuttle program was EVER grounded, NASA announced that Russia would be transporting supplying, etc.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Ian Tuck, Windsor MA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:33:26 GMT

Aug 14 2010 Last flight/

The shuttle's long goodbye

Luis Pereira — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:38:20 GMT

I cant beleive that we never went back to the moon after all the money spent going there with thw Apollo program. If we stayed the course by now we would be living on the moon. Was there something up there that scared us into not going back?? Aliens perhaps?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Beth Robarts, 100 Mile House, British Columbia — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:55:05 GMT

I just want to say that I support the NASA Space program as should everyone. I watched the day man walked on the moon on a small 7" black and white battery operated television and was as excited as the astronauts families were I am sure. For a small girl growing up on a ranch in the center of B.C. I was watching history happen before my eyes. It is something I have never forgot and I have told my nieces and nephews of it.....to them it is now old hat. They were excited though when the Canada Arm went into space. I am not American but I am a proud earthling and a proud Canadian to be able to have seen how NASA has come so far. I wish the next phase was ready to go as the shuttles are phased out.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Ben Williams, Carnegie, PA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:55:35 GMT

Taking away the Space shuttle program is a shame. President Bush is leaving another mark before he leaves office it looks like. I grew up looking forward to everytime a spaceship would take off. I would be right in front of the TV watching. I hope it never goes away but my guess is Feb 28 2010. Thanks again Mr. Bush.

The shuttle's long goodbye

James Szepkouski, Pala, CA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:57:41 GMT

We guess November 17, 2010 10am ET (for my son)
I have been so facinated with the shuttle missions and I can't believe they are coming to and end.
My son will see some amazing things in the future.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Lawrence, Richmond, Va. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:02:04 GMT

America, the glory of your empire has long since reached its apogee and is now entering its final fiery descent. There will be no more flights after the shuttles. No moon flights, no mars trips, except in your dreams and flights of fancy. At least you can take solace in that! It certainly is sad to think of the huge sums of resources expended on shuttles, space stations, robotic missions to the stars, then at the last to see others reap the benefits. Yeah, your tax dollars may go to support Russians and Chinese spacemen be the next heroes of space exploration and exploitation. You can certainly relish in their accomplishments, for you will have none of your own. The massive burden of debt and credit you have taken upon yourselves has not only become untenable and unbearable, but has sealed your nations demise. This war in Iraq, The rush of American businesses abroad to foreign nations, foreign workers doing your servile labor for you, has depleted this nation of all its natural greatness, talent and ability. Your Broke for God's sake! Spiritually, Financially, skills, industry, banking, you name it, worst of all Character, compassion, Thrift, fiscal conservativism, social unity and identity. The borrower is servant to the lender, and so have you become, slowly, stealthly, you slumbered as a nation and others have taken your true riches away from you. There is a cycle to this in history. She has seen this before, leaving many warning signs for the next generations to behold and learn her lessons. These last few presidencies have been the straw that will truely break your backs. Is it not strange to you, do you not find it curious how your national debt, beginning with the republican Reagan, rose from a mere $500 billion to current near $11 trillion. Furthermore, these republicans have cut your taxes, all the while increasing spending by hundreds of billions of dollars on an annual basis. Then to add insult to injury, blame the opposing party for all the fiscal damage - tax and spend they say. The republican solution - no tax and spend. Hey America, you do the Math. This war in Iraq is not about oil, foreign acquisition of territories, neither about good old American Pride. It is about a small but influential sector of people in this country who are determined to bring this nation to financial ruin. They don't want to pay any taxes, or contribute to the common good, yet want to enjoy all the priviledges this nation has to offer. Ahem, the rush of industry to foreign lands - pay cheap labor overseas, bring the goodes back in with no tariffs, sell for huge mark up and reap incredible profits, money for which they enticed you to borrow at high interest rates, all the while they pay little or no income taxes. Leaving the rest of humble americans the bill to pay. It certainly seems they are having their way about things. And few seem to care. No, I dont think there will be many more Rockets Red Glare, no Orion in your foreseeable future! Maybe the Next Generation will see a Jean Luc Piccard - keep dreaming America. It was fun while it lasted!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Gary Latka, Lehigh Acres, Fl — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:06:36 GMT

With triumphs and tragedies another page in history shall be turned. We can only hope that the next missions keep America at the top of space exploration.
And I'll tell you this, there's nothing like seeing that Shuttle streak across the sky in the early dawn hours or the sound of the sonic boom it makes when re-entering the Earths atmosphere. It scares the heck out of my wife every time.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Loura tollins — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:18:11 GMT

Inspite of all hurdles, I hope to see mankind landing on mars in the coming years.....

The shuttle's long goodbye

Robert Girard, Gaithersburg, MD — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:23:26 GMT

I'm gonna guess that there will be a special mission for the AMS that will push the last mission out a fwe months. I'm thinking that the last flight will be around August 15th 2010, prolly a midday launch.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bob, Boonville, MO — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:37:10 GMT

We have spent billions & billions of dollars on space flights over the years -- what has been the return on the investment? Meanwhile our infrastructures (roads, water and sewer systems, etc) are falling apart because there is no funding. School buildings are in sad shape and teachers are still some of the lowest paid professionals. We have starving people in our own country and around the world. We send shuttles up in to space but don't have vehicles that get a 100 miles to the gallon or use other sources of energy so we pay $4 + for gallon of gas. Forget space, let's invest in our nation on earth.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Big G. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:41:48 GMT

Wow, we might finally get to the moon- for real this time. Why everyone still buys into that hunk of baloney that we went to the moon in the '60s just baffles me. The Russians didn't go because they knew the technology didn't exist. It didn't exist then and still doesn't now. We need about another 30 years, according to scientists today, of research before we can even begin to put a ship together that can get humans across the vast, cold, and highly dangerous vacuum of space and back home again. Do your homework. The whole thing was a PR stunt started by the Kennedy administration to boost morale during the Cold War.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bill, Huntsville, AL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:44:17 GMT

It will be sad to see the Shuttle go. But also, Lockheed and Boeing formed the United Launch Alliance in 2006 to take care of the workhorse stuff so they can concentrate their cores on the new programs to get to the moon and mars. And Marshall Space Flight Center is gearing up also. Local radio and newspaper ads have been running continuously for engineers of all disciplines regarding space flight.
Unfortunately, right now the general public hasn't caught the fever about space flight and exploration like they did in the 60's, and most people are worried about the price of gas and groceries instead of space flight.

On another note, Huntsville, AL should get a shuttle. This is where the space program started led by Wernher von Braun and his team. This year the Space and Rocket center opened the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, with a beautiful Saturn V fully enclosed. It would be great to see a real shuttle and get rid of the mock-up in front.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Howard Schiff, Palm Beach Gardens, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:48:23 GMT

My guess for the last flight is January 21st,2011 on my birthday. Would be a nice 41st birthday present.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Robert Deardorff, Lebanon, Indiana — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:51:53 GMT

All good! Space exploration and the science to go with it have been one of the greatest investments the United States and the World have made. The things we have learned and the frontiers explored have laid-out one of the greatest endeavors of the world. So much we will be rewarded over and over again.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dick Sicario, Las Vegas, Nevada — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:02:40 GMT

NASA is a big money pit. Why do we keep it funded.
So we go to the Moon & Mars, so what !

The shuttle's long goodbye

Chet Holstein Bellingham, Washington — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:08:41 GMT

The essence of humanity is to continue, and this continuance is best focused by exploration. There is no real reason why the space program as we know it should soon end without a replacement. By the relativety of space we've accomplished nothing thus far. Reducing ourselves back to earth is like saying we don't need books anymore. Have we become so individualized that we've forgotten our species' purpose? If we... we humans, are to maintain our progress, we must stay is space. The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few or the one.

The shuttle's long goodbye

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:12:06 GMT

The last flight will be on July 26, 2010. Unfortunately, rocket fuel will be less expensive than gasoline by then....

The shuttle's long goodbye

Anton, Schweinfurt, Germany — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:22:38 GMT

I think NASA is pursuing the right strategy, switching from low orbit Earth missions to true space exploration. In fact I think they should have done it earlier. The Space Shuttle, with its limited capabilities and high costs, was a flawed concept from the beginning and I have no regrets to see it gone!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Matt S, Corvallis, OR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:43:02 GMT

January 20, 2011

The shuttle's long goodbye

Frank Simons, Los Angeles, CA. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:50:59 GMT

It's just sad knowing that NASA won't be putting Americans in space for 5 years – by choice. Russians and Europeans for 5 years will be putting Americans in Space – we’ll just outsource anything these days won’t we. Where is our National Pride? Unlike wars, all Americans rejoice when we have a triumph in space. My guess for the “last” shuttle flight is October 17, 2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Harvey A., Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:51:57 GMT

The gap between the Apollo program and the flight of the first space shuttle proved to be the biggest mistake NASA ever made. Apollo should have never been retired. There can be no doubt now that moon missions should have continued even as the shuttle was built, even if that would have caused a significant delay in the initial shuttle launch and more expenditures. As it was, the shuttle still wound up being delayed for years and way over its projected budget. 20 shuttles were originally scheduled to be built, but we wound up with only 4. While we had no vehicle to take us into space, Skylab, our original space station was abandoned to plunge to earth in unceremonious fashion. The Soviets lunged ahead of us in manned spaceflight, clocking so many orbits it made our records look like mere blips. They developed their Soyuz capsules and their manned space stations, their Mirs and their vast research into the effects of weightlessness, all while we lingered on the ground. With no manned missions for years, we lost the lure of space, and imaginationless politicians took control of our space agenda. When the first shuttle missions finally went up, they were plagued with tile and reentry problems that took years to fix and even then, we all remember all too well, the 2 great shuttle explosions and the loss of our astronauts. But worst of all, after this long cessation of space flight, we became stuck in low earth orbit for the next 40 - 50 years, mired in a bland manned space program so far from the great excitement and inspiration of the Apollo moon landings and the earlier Mercury and Gemini programs that it makes me sick to wonder what could have been. And now, now that we've got an international space station in orbit, now that the shuttle is actually proving useful to construct, repair, resupply and refurbish space stations, telescopes and deep space vehicles, now that shuttle technology could actually help lead us to the next generation of space vehicles, and could help get us back to the moon and on to Mars, now we are going to abandon manned space flight once again for a long, long time to save a few bucks and a little bit of time. This is a travesty. Much as I want the US to return to the moon and then go beyond, we should proceed cautiously, and not abandon the old technology we worked so hard to perfect. Think of where we would be today if the Apollo program had not been abandoned while the shuttle was built. Then think of where we will be 20 years from now after we've mothballed the only reusable space vehicle we've come up with, probably abandoned our participation on the international space station, and suffered through years of delays and cost overruns on the Ares/Orion crew vehicle. Does anybody at NASA have memory? Does anybody at NASA have a brain?

The shuttle's long goodbye

Canadian (future) blasting engineer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:54:42 GMT

It would be awesome if we could have more people step on the moon. Imagine what we might find deep below it's surface. There have been rumors (or is it true i can't remember) that there's water ice in the polar regions. It could be like a giant launching pad for future rockets.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Wishbone, Dana Point, CA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:01:59 GMT

Bush's plan to retire the shuttle program is just one more piece of work that will have to be fixed by our next president. Thanks Bubba. Hey, I never voted for him. Those of you who did should be ashamed of yourselves.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Harold, Anchorage, Alaska — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:04:55 GMT

I thought NASA's coverage of Discovery's mission, especially the view from the cockpit camera during the landing, was awesome. An aircraft of that size descending in such a precision high-speed dive after a Mach-25 re-entry is awe-inspiring. The crew and extended teamwork made it look easy--art in motion.
A world community that can create a shuttle can solve any problem.

The shuttle's long goodbye

John, Colorado Springs,CO. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:15:16 GMT

October,30 2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Geoffrey Trapp, Alamogordo, NM — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:16:16 GMT

Last liftoff:
December 2, 2010 at 9:22 am, EST.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Andrew Briggs, Elmira, New York — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:23 GMT

NASA history has taught us that delays are inevitable, either through weather or technical delays. Therefore I predict the final mission date of April 12, 2011. This would commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first space shuttle mission an the 50th anniversary of the first man in space.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Ben, Verona, NJ — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:26:06 GMT

I say July 4th, 2011 at 10:15 AM for the last mission.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Allen Roller Macon Georgia USA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:40:47 GMT

Low earth orbit is a prison. It is long past the time when we should have been exploring deep space with manned missions. The shuttle was sold to the public as a buck rogers vehicle that could do everything, however all it was ever capable of being was a high tech. low flying brickyard. After Apollo 11, the american public with it's instant gratification fixation, was not being stroked by repeated trips to the moon. How sad! Instead of expanding on Apollo's success, we have become stuck in low earth orbit for the past 36 years+. It had to take the Columbia tragedy to open our eyes. Now we await the next chapter in our space legacy and I can't wait for Ares I, Ares V and Orion's return to the moon and beyond. But a word of CAUTION, Obama does not support this new program and has stated he would instead increase funding for "education". Oh sure, that's what we need more money down the rat- hole that is America's government education system.
Makes sense to me, cut one of the only Government programs that actually work (NASA) and instead use the money to buy votes from the teachers unions! Yeah, sure makes sense to me!

The shuttle's long goodbye

karthick raja,kanchipuram,india. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:56:04 GMT

NASA is doing a very good job in space explorations.NASA using the innovative space shuttles to the space . my doubt is the space station what NASA actually going to do . we are eagerly waiting for the day to go to space this to be planned and completed only by NASA. in future i want to be one of the NASA employee..

The shuttle's long goodbye

karthick raja,kanchipuram,india. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:59:41 GMT

nasa is one of the best space explorator . our university students got the 2nd prize of NASA AERO dynamic design contest for their future projects we are proud to say........

The shuttle's long goodbye

Michael, Cumming, GA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:10:41 GMT

Thanks for the Cosmic Log posting. It will be bitter sweet to see the Space Shuttles retire in 2010 (or whenever they actually retire). The Space Shuttle program entered the national scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a great deal of optimism and excitement. It is unfortunate that it will exit on a somewhat sour note. It seems, to some, that the Space Shuttle has overstayed its welcome. There is no denying that the Space Shuttle has never lived up to its promise of being a safe, reliable, and economical vehicle for travel in space. However, that does not take away from the fact that the Space Shuttle is one of the most complex machines ever built by humans and deserves to be recognized as such. When the final history of the Space Shuttle program is written, I hope the Challenger accident in 1986 and the Columbia accident in 2003 are not the only things remembered. Without the Space Shuttle, America would not have the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Teacher In Space program, SpaceLab, or numerous other scientific programs. In terms of the ultimate fate of the orbiters, I believe the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama should acquire one of them. The center is a popular tourist attraction and has the necessary facilities to properly preserve and maintain one of the orbiters.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Michael H. Cartersville, GA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:16:22 GMT

That's one small step for man, one giant hangover for mankind.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Jeff, Greenville, SC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:50:58 GMT

I think it is a tragedy that the shuttle program is coming to a close. I am going to make it a priority to go down and watch one take off because it is something that I have always wanted to do. I do not understand why they have not got a replacement ready to fill in the gap. The new space vehicles are going to be designed to go to other worlds not the space station. How will we ever get there with heavy replacement parts or to add on to it again? I agree with others that we fund a useless war with our troops suffering when we could be funding better space programs.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Wm, Dayton OH — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:56:23 GMT

Let's hope that history does not repeat itself. NASA made a huge mistake in the 70's abandoning flight while developing the shuttle. Does anyone remember the name "Skylab"? We were forced to watch it burn-up because we had no method to service it to adjust it's orbit. Ironically, we are going to finish building a very expensive new space station and then what...oh yeah, abandon space flight again while we develop a new system...INTELLIGENT!!!!? Didn't anyone teach them to either learn from history or you are destined to relive it.

But in all fairness to NASA...there is only so much money that they are given...Blame "ALL" of Congress and the President for their inability to budget money correctly. If they keep the shuttles flying, then they won't have the money to develop the new systems.

P.S. Melody...We DID go to the moon more than once!!!

Date and Time People. AMS flight added. 10 Aug 2010, 1003EST

The shuttle's long goodbye

Robyn - Central FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:24:28 GMT

I agree that once retired, the Shuttles should be disbursed throughout the country. However, those familiar with the KSC complex in FL would probably agree that they should build a Shuttle Center similar to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. I've participated in an Overnight Adventure Program with my scout troop (must do if you get the chance) and think it would be an awesome program for the kids to sleep under (like the Saturn V) the Shuttle, or better yet, inside the cargo bay - but I doubt they'd allow that). Its an incredible fit for KSC. The two other Shuttles can go to where ever appropriate, but one shuttle should stay at KSC. Enterprise can stay in DC. Challenger's remains are burried at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base (pointed ut on the "Then and Now Tour" which is fascinating). Columbia's haven't been buried from what I was told in 2007. They are on site at KSC in a building somewhere. I bet they could display pieces somewhere, if they decided it was not too disrespectful to the memory of the astronauts. For example, a piece could be on display in Israel to remember Ilian Ramon. Just a thought.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Francisco, Metter Georgia — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:08:45 GMT

I agree with the person that said that NASA should sent one of the shuttles on a unmaned deep space mission. I also think that NASA should send one to Mars with building supplies, and equipment if they are serious about sending a maned mission to Mars.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Jennifer Tetzlaff, Manistee, MI — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:45:29 GMT

It will be a sad day regardless of when, but my guess would be November 15, 2010 approx. 1:45 pm EST

The shuttle's long goodbye

Al B, S Plainfield, NJ — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:52:07 GMT

I think the US needs to maintain a means to get its people into space. If we retire the shuttle now, we were to wait 2 years and now it is 5 till Orion is ready. The US should keep the shuttle flying, if only once or twice a year, just so it is avaiable to us in a time of need.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Jarad Kendrick, Calgary Alberta — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:25:04 GMT

final space flight... 9/11 at 0911. Americans love nostalgia and ceremony. what better way to end the legacy of the space shuttles than on a historic date.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Marty Sprunck, Hamburg, NJ — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:26:49 GMT

Last shuttle launch: August 17, 2010 - no symbolism - just sounds good.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Stephanie, Syracuse Utah — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:40:18 GMT

Isn't it interesting that we can spend a billion dollars a day funding the war in Iraq but it is to expensive to keep the shuttle program going until the Orion is built. We should keep the shuttle flying until the next generation of vehicles is built and not depend on other countries to help us. Just another blunder by Bush.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Fil Nutter, Jr. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:59:51 GMT

Last Shuttle Flight: March 9, 2011

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dave, Greensboro, NC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:00:28 GMT

Last mission I think will be in 2011 and not 2010. There will be delays. My guess is May 15, 2011.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mark, Sacramento — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:01:49 GMT

John Wilmas, Hazelwood, MO check your facts. One of the purposes for going back to the moon is to establish a launching point for the inevitable Mars missions.

Over half the problems with any space launch is simply to get off of Earth. Launching a Mars mission from the Moon makes more sense.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Fil Nutter, Jr., So. Charleston, WV — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:08:24 GMT

Last Shuttle Flight: March 9, 2001

The shuttle's long goodbye

Mark, Sacramento — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:10:36 GMT

Richard Johnson [...] You obviously have no concept of the engineering needed to get anything up into space let alone what this "up to date" technology you alude to actually is. Given the fact that the INTERNATIONAL space station is the combined effort of Japan, Russian, Europe, etc. who else has a more "up to date" Space Station? [...]

The shuttle's long goodbye

A C Tampa FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:14:03 GMT

Here is one to think about, let's retire all the cars in the United States for 5 years until we build better fuel efficient cars. Why not, that's how ridiculous this whole thing sounds.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Ben, Indianapolis, In — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:46:57 GMT

NASA has led the way into space exploration but now it's time for corperations. In every space sim or game I've played to books I read 15 years ago have companies in space for their own purposes. NASA is a great institution but in the last 20 years we really haven't made any new advances as far as human (not robot going to a planet) exploration goes. XPlane, (forget name of this project), Gemini, Apollo, Shuttles, Int. Space Station. How long has the Int. Space Station been under construction? 15 Years? If it was a corporation doing it, and not governments, that thing would have been done in 5 years and have already have had a miriad of improvements.

Competition breeds progress...

The shuttle's long goodbye

David Lanier, Jacksonville, NC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:05:14 GMT

NASA is really living in the past. The future of space travel is independant groups who have visionary ideas of space travel. Maybe NASA can lease out Richard Branson's space plane to make trips to the space station!!

The shuttle's long goodbye

Dan Kwast, Dayton, OH — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:16:52 GMT

Final Flight - September 11th, 2010 -- 1700hrs
In honor of all our heroes...

The shuttle's long goodbye

Guy S. NEwell — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:20:09 GMT

Until we figure out how to protect people from radiation out beyond the Van Allen belt, there isn't going to be any manned flight to Mars. The only reason we can go to the moon is because it's close enougth and the stays are short (days, not months).

The shuttle's long goodbye

Guy S. Newell — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:23:40 GMT

The Shuttle program and the ISS put the cause of space exploration back 40 years. It has been a huge boondoggel. Not to mention the most dangerous space vehicle ever built.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Tim Dugas, Houston, Texas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:58:27 GMT

I have enjoyed the News videos of the launches & the Landings of the shuttles. Were the news media has totally missed the boat is not filming the shuttles re-entry into the atmoshere on a cold clear morning.
To see the plasma trail light up the sky over East Texas around 5:20 AM for 6:30 AM Landing in Florida is truely breath taking. I hope before NASA quits the Shuttle programs they would announce the timing and route to the news media for filming and viewing.
My guess for the launch of the last Shuttle would be 10/10/2010.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Lana Anderson, Prescott Valley, AZ — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:18:06 GMT

I'm going to guesse on the last flight being November 14th, 2010 at 11:20 AM I Think there will be enough last min. stuff to make at least three extra flights. Even though you don't wont to there will be good reasons for them.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Patrick, Toronto Ontario — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:22:16 GMT

OMG how can people, allegedly informed and compassionate of the issue, still have no idea that a temporary replacement(perhaps imperfect) is in place during the development cycle of Orion/Ares? People are so lazy to do some research or even read some of the posts before posting to find answers! It's this ignorance that puts us where we are today, no gov'ts to blame here, just laziness.

The Final flight will be an added 11th mission to take the AMS up on September 11th, 2011. The 10th anniversary of Sept 11 (as a symbol of rememberance and dedication to our dreams despite ANY roadblocks)

The shuttle's long goodbye

Crystal, Chattanooga, TN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:29:51 GMT

June 10th, 2010 - Last Mission
And one of the shuttles should definitely stay at the Kennedy Space Center.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Michael Rochester, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:50:48 GMT

Date/time of last launch: October 22, 2010, 11:20am Eastern time

The shuttle's long goodbye

Chad, Rolla, MO — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:31:28 GMT

My guess is August 5, 2010

The shuttle's long goodbye

Justin Fowler, Green Bay, WI — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:20:30 GMT

I predict July 5th 2010

The shuttle's long goodbye

Karl K. Philladelphia, PA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:28:27 GMT

How about leaving a shuttle at the ISS? Isn't there currently a soyuz capsule there as an emergency vehicle if the station has to be evacuated? Maybe in orbit it would degrade too much for re-entry but couldn't it still be useable as an orbital vehicle? After all, it seems a waste to get all that hardware into orbit and then not make the most of it. If this was feasible I'd sure rather have it in use than up on blocks at some museum with a big 'do not touch' sign on it.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:06:42 GMT

Why is everyone assuming that the Orion/Ares is going to be flying by 2015? Not since the days of Apollo has NASA been able to make any new system fly on schedule. Instead of a five-year gap, there may be a seven or more year gap unless private companies get their own orbital programs going. Who wants to start a betting pool on the first successful Orion/Ares launch?

The shuttle's long goodbye

mike&sueann bevill — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:13:42 GMT

keep ths space shuttle flying the men&woman who fly it are the best in the world NASA&its crew are the best GOD BLESS NASA&every one who works there keep the shuttle flying

The shuttle's long goodbye

John Gill, Gloucester, Virginia — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:31:57 GMT

Given the news that keeps leaking out about major issues with the Ares design and the possible delays those issues pose to getting the system operational, it seems wise to at least give congress the option of extending shuttle operations until the true gap is known. The shuttle may be a system with higher than desired risks and costs, but it is operational and would keep the USA in space without depending on others until a new system is developed.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Allen Linnel, Rocky River — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:06:47 GMT

I find the space program interesting and many good things have come of it. However, going back to the moon is silly. It has no atmomsphere... we can't give it one... and we will never live there. It's a dusty rock. With nation full of crumbling schools, bridges and sewer systems, there are much better things to do with the money than going to the moon -- unless, of course, it would be the first time.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Al Wicks, Jr. — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:21:32 GMT

July 3rd, 2013. Fill it with Oxygen, water, and spare suits. Use it as a lifeboat. Just park it in a long term orbit. It could save lives as well as be an oasis.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Des Emery, St. Thomas, ON, Canada — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:19:49 GMT

Mark of Sacramento seems to be the only writer here who realizes that the destination is named "International Space Station." It isn't going to be abandoned for five years or even five minutes. The "foreign" partners who have helped the USA get there, work there, and leave there will still be doing the same thing, while awaiting the next vehicle advance from the USA.

As far as the "last flight" of the shuttle is concerned,remember that the best laid plans of mice and men.. It's hard enough to predict next week's weather, let alone what it's going to be like in Florida in two years' time. A schedule has to be drawn up but it doesn't have to be adhered to in order to claim success for the mission.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Henrique Brigatte — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:14:43 GMT

The worst scenario: human's return to the moon through chinese astronauts. That's something quite incredible, isn't it? Well, in my view, completely possibe to happen.

American media, and also the massive american people, seems not to pay attention in the space program anymore, which is very sad. Budget problems arising for the Constellation program are very concerning, and the 2015/2016 targets not being accomplished generates serious chances for China to beat Americans in this "21st century's space race" that is taking place these days (except for the eyes of the American Congress, and misters Obama and McCain). Unbelievable.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Jerry L. Nutt — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:10:27 GMT

AS a volunteer at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR I am encouraging Congress to consider our high quality museum supported by Cosmosphere, NASA, and the Smithsonian as a logical location for one of the Shuttle Orbiters. We are centrally located between California and Washington (both making requests) and we are home to Howard Hughes "Spruce Goose" which is drawing crowds from International locations as well as every state in our great nation. Our new Space Museum was constructed with an assigned space for a shuttle and can easily handle a "bird" of those dimensions. Currently, if my reading is correct, The Evergreen complex is the third largest drawing attraction in the State of Oregon
and certainly in the Top 10 of the Pacific Northwest.

Jerry L. Nutt, McMinnville, OR

The shuttle's long goodbye

Bruce Jones Mcminnville Oregon — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:40:47 GMT

I feel one of the Shuttles should be based in the Evergreen Air and Space Museum in Mcminnville, Oregon; home of the " Spruce Goose"...two of the most innovative aircraft of our time could be housed together for the public to realize how far aviation has come since the 1940's

The shuttle's long goodbye

JC, Fairbanks, AK — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:58:58 GMT

It's sad but true that the US space program actually has less public support than those in other countries. The US is going to get stunned like it was one morning 50+ years ago when it woke up in the morning to the news that a soviet satellite was orbiting overhead.... the Chinese are the odds-on favorite to next land on the Moon. Hopefully they'll be big enough not to go and kick dirt on the astronauts bootprints.

The shuttle's long goodbye

JC, Fairbanks, AK — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:56:47 GMT

GIF: not ALL of NASA is going down the tubes, just the human spaceflight part. Unfortunately it's dragging the rest (earth observation, planetary exploration parts) down with it. While the manned program wallows, MESSENGER as flown by Mercury and imaged the 2/3 of the planet we had never seen, we have 2 orbiters, 2 amazing rovers and 1 lander (which has found water ice) at Mars, Deep Impact hit a comet and expanded our knowledge of them in an instant, and CASSINI continues to send a steady stream of data and images back from Saturn. Meanwhile, shuttle mission costs almost a billion $$ and is considered basically successful if the thing doesn't explode......

J.Wilmas: the Moon makes a GREAT proving ground for all the things we will need to get people to Mars and back. Not to take advantage of it is, to me, foolish. Consider that the *failure* of a 'hail mary' attempt to go to Mars could well end further efforts.

Dan Fontain, Richard Johnson, Mike Tracy, Harvey A., Wm: NASA doesn't make these decisions, politicians, and ultimately voters, do. That's why NASA can't seem to do ANYTHING, especially long-term things. And our current president has been awful, handing NASA a ton of mandates, and no means to carry them out. Given an objective and the time and resources to do it, NASA has done some amazing things, but it can't do much of anything when the rules get changed every 2 or 4 years. In the end if voters and taxpayers want to see who is responsible they need only take a collective look in the mirror.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but the space shuttles have *never* fulfilled their billing (of the late '70s) of being a cheap, reusable, reliable way to earth orbit. It has been bragged about as 'the most complex machine ever built", but I don't get why: complex=BAD, *simple=GOOD! And while I have no doubt that the sight of the thing roaring into the sky can be stirring (to the point that some folks seem to wrap themselves in the flag over it), its real return-on-investment has been pitiful. The ISS is the same kind of deal; hardly a fraction of the science promise of the thing has happened; its primary purpose seems to be to justify sending up the shuttles. The cancellation of the AMS flight is just one symptom of this.

Finally:Here's a secret: You know those "we never landed on the moon" folks who sometimes pop up? They're actually secret agents from the planet Zarquon, who don't want us going into space! They send messages home via crop circles, and *they're* who's really behind the Vision for Space Explorification! In their own minds, of course.....

The shuttle's long goodbye

rick larson powell river british columbia — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:11:42 GMT

please please please leave the big hydrogen tanks in earth orbit on the final missions. dosent anyone realize the value of pressure tanks in outer space? virtually no extra boost is required to do this.Once vented,the nontoxic environment could provide sky-lab like elbow room for astronauts and if paired, they could be spun if a linking tunnel made of tramp soyuz third stage shells were also recycled. a central hub in the middle of this colossal "baton" in space could also employ an ion drive . the entire assembly could be perfectly balanced by fluid transfer or use of "halters" even the slosh baffles in the H2 tanks would serve as varried gravitational zones. Of course the powers that be would debunk this even though all of this hardware is sent up there with every launch.(at a cost of sixty dollars an ounce anyway)

The shuttle's long goodbye

John, Palm Bay, FL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:00:33 GMT

So many misinformed people here: Bush did not mandate 9/30/10 as the end of the program (NASA Fiscal year ends on that date). The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) did. We did not quit the moon after one attempt. Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 all landed on the moon. " more than a decade" between the end of the the Apollo and STS? No. 1972 was the last Apollo flight *to the moon*. Let's not forget about Skylab flights, plus the Apollo-Soyuz mission in July 1975.
The last shuttle flight? Probably in late 2010, let's say if it's STS-133, probably July sometime; if STS-134 is added for the AMS, then September-October sometime. NASA will NOT choose 7/20 or any date for a "symbolic reason" The TARGET launch date will be worked towards; when all comes together nearer the time, the OFFICIAL launch date will be aimed for, obviously during the approriate launch window. Planning for a certain date/time is ludicris - a stray thunderstorm or a (seemingly) minor technical glitch and the attempt is scrubbed for a day or more.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Kurtis, Titusville, Florida and Kennedy Space Center — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:55:23 GMT

The Orbiters (the shuttle is the entire vehicle at launch)--while impressive and true beauties to see in flight--are dangerous because of the positioning of them along the mid-section of the External Tank. Rockets are actually safer when it comes to crew evacuations and escapes. That being said, I believe we should continue the Shuttle until Project Constellation comes on line. It will invariably be later than 2015 before Ares is truly ready, and we CANNOT rely on the Russians for the only transportation to the ISS.

As for where the orbiters should go. I feel Discovery needs to stay in Florida. This is where the orbiters have lived the entire program, and the only place they have launched from. For KSC to not get an actual orbiter is ludicrous. The Smithsonian has Enterprise. Let Houston get Endeavour, and California get Atlantis.

The shuttle's long goodbye

stephen treston — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:15:28 GMT

watched my first live launch oct 08 what a sight a credit to all those involved keep the shuttles in servicestephen treston

The shuttle's long goodbye

frederick estrella highland park nj — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:46:57 GMT

I was there for the last moon walk in 1972,and there was the space shuttle and saw all the missions nasa gave us, from the first shutle flight (enterpise- endeavour), and now i can saw the again with my childrens and my grand childrens and telling them how is important that we can go beyond of earth, from earth orbit, to the moon again and next to mars. its small world to live, and there a plenty of space to explore.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Todd Miller, Carrollton, Texas — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:21:42 GMT

It will be sad to see the Shuttles retired with no replacement for at least five years. I know money is tight, but I would think that it would be more economical for all nations (except for perhaps Russia) involved in the ISS to keep the shuttle going.

Retire Discovery and keep Atlantis and Endeavor. It sounds like there is going to be a six month rotation of astronauts to the ISS, this means around 2 shuttle trips a year. Keep Endeavor as the main workhorse as she has far fewer flights on her and keep Atlantis as an emergency backup. Europe, Japan and Canada could help pay for their astronauts passage plus the shuttle could be the delivery truck for experimental nodules and spare parts.

We really should not be out of the space loop for 5 years (most likely more) before our next vehicle is ready for use.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Would rather be in space — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:56:06 GMT

While I agree that it is time to replace the aging fleet, I'll dearly miss the shuttles. I'll never forget seeing each shuttle's giant main engines coming through our city on their way to Florida back in the '80s; it was quite a sight to see! I'll always remember, too, everyone crammed into our high school auditorium to watch the Challenger take off, and our horror at seeing it explode. School was canceled the rest of the week to honor the astronauts, deal with student grief, and for student volunteers to take part in the debris searches in our area. For as many times as the shuttles have gone up over the last 20 years, the fact that there have been only 2 accidents has been amazing and speaks well of the design and success of the shuttle program. I'm hoping there will be a send-off party for the last launch because I plan on being there.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Larry M. Fratus Sequim, Wa.98382 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:37:34 GMT

I agree with some of the other comments, to retire the shuttle before a new vehicle is ready to fly is absurd. And to go backwards with an appolo designed vehicle does't make much sense either. The shuttle has been a beautiful craft, to not expand on this design makes you wonder where are engineers heads are.

The shuttle's long goodbye

Larry M. Fratus Sequim, Wa.98382 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:51:35 GMT

The shuttle's long goodbye

kim pugh, st. cloud, florida — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:37:55 GMT

Sept. 19, 2010 at 1:15 pm due to rainy weather ;)