So NASA has decided not to repair the Shuttle.
Ever since the Columbia tragedy, the Space Shuttle has come under increased scrutiny. Just as by the time Apollo 13 was launched, people were becoming blase about man landing on the Moon, Shuttle launches had become somewhat of a formality. February 1st, 2003 bought the dangers of space travel back to the fore.
Every shuttle launch since then has been under intense scrutiny from the hundreds of safety cameras installed, and every shuttle since STS114 “Return to flight” mission has been spotted being struck by foam.
The question is, that now we are focused on the cause of the Columbia disintegration, how many shuttles prior to STS107 had been hit by foam? I’d be willing to guess at all of them.
I’m not saying that we should not worry about possible damage to a spacecraft, but that we should take a balanced view of the risks. NASA should be applauded for investigating the problem, and should be left to continue the work they do. Exploring strange, new worlds, seeking new life and new civilisations…. oh hang on….