US

See the Space Shuttle Make the Program’s Final Landing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Atlantis and four astronauts returned from the International Space Station in triumph Thursday, bringing an end to NASA’s 30-year shuttle journey with one last, rousing touchdown that drew cheers and tears.

A record crowd of 2,000 gathered near the landing strip, thousands more packed the space center and countless others watched history unfold from afar as NASA’s longest-running spaceflight program came to a close.

“After serving the world for over 30 years, the space shuttle’s earned its place in history. And it’s come to a final stop,” radioed commander Christopher Ferguson.

“Job well done, America,” replied Mission Control.

The twilight landing, just before dawn, came 30 years and three months after the very first shuttle flight in 1981. It will be another three to five years at best before Americans are launched again from U.S. soil, with private companies gearing up to seize the Earth-to-orbit-and-back baton from NASA.

The long-term future for American space exploration is just as hazy, a huge concern for many at NASA and all those losing their jobs because of the shuttle’s end. Asteroids and Mars are the destinations of choice, yet NASA has yet to settle on a rocket design to get astronauts there.

Thursday, though, belonged to Atlantis and its crew: Ferguson, co-pilot Douglas Hurley, Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus, who completed a successful space station resupply mission.

Atlantis’ main landing gears touched down at 5:57 a.m., with “wheels stop” less than a minute later.

“The space shuttle has changed the way we view the world and it’s changed the way we view our universe,” said Ferguson. “There’s a lot of emotion today, but one thing’s indisputable. America’s not going to stop exploring.

“Thank you Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Endeavour and our ship Atlantis. Thank you for protecting us and bringing this program to such a fitting end.”

Space Shuttle Atlantis Final Landing NASA video

The astronauts’ families and friends, as well as shuttle managers and NASA brass, gathered near the runway to welcome Atlantis home – and bid the shuttle program goodbye. Mission Control in Houston also was packed, teeming with past and present flight directors. Hundreds of other Johnson Space Center employees stood outside, watching the landing on a jumbo screen.

NASA’s five space shuttles launched, saved and revitalized the Hubble Space Telescope; built the space station, the world’s largest orbiting structure; and opened the final frontier to women, minorities, schoolteachers, even a prince. The first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn, became the oldest person ever in space, thanks to the shuttle. He was 77 at the time; he turned 90 this week.

Born with Columbia, it was NASA’s longest-running space exploration program.

It was truly a homecoming for Atlantis, which first soared in 1985. The next-to-youngest in NASA’s fleet will remain at Kennedy Space Center as a museum display.

This grand finale came 50 years to the day that Gus Grissom became the second American in space, just a half-year ahead of Glenn.

Atlantis – the last of NASA’s three surviving shuttles to retire – performed as admirably during descent as it did throughout the 13-day flight. A full year’s worth of food and other supplies were dropped off at the space station, just in case the upcoming commercial deliveries get delayed. The international partners – Russia, Europe, Japan – will carry the load in the meantime.

It was the 135th mission for the space shuttle fleet, which altogether flew 542 million miles and circled Earth more than 21,150 times over the past three decades. The five shuttles carried 355 people from 16 countries and, altogether, spent 1,333 days in space – almost four years.

Two of the shuttles – Challenger and Columbia – were destroyed, one at launch, the other during the ride home. Fourteen lives were lost. Yet each time, the shuttle program persevered and came back to fly again.

The decision to cease shuttle flight was made seven years ago, barely a year after the Columbia tragedy. President Barack Obama nixed President George W. Bush’s lunar goals, however, opting instead for astronaut expeditions to an asteroid and Mars.

Last-ditch appeals to keep shuttles flying by such NASA legends as Apollo 11′s Neil Armstrong and Mission Control founder Christopher Kraft landed flat.

It comes down to money.

NASA is sacrificing the shuttles, according to the program manager, so it can get out of low-Earth orbit and get to points beyond. The first stop under Obama’s plan is an asteroid by 2025; next comes Mars in the mid-2030s.

Private companies have been tapped to take over cargo hauls and astronaut rides to the space station, which is expected to carry on for at least another decade. The first commercial supply run is expected late this year, with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. launching its own rocket and spacecraft from Cape Canaveral.

None of these private spacecraft, however, will have the hauling capability of NASA’s shuttles; their payload bays stretch 60 feet long and 15 feet across, and hoisted megaton observatories like Hubble. Much of the nearly 1 million pounds of space station was carried to orbit by space shuttles.

Astronaut trips by the commercial competitors will take years to achieve.

SpaceX maintains it can get people to the space station within three years of getting the all-clear from NASA. Station managers expect it to be more like five years. Some skeptics say it could be 10 years before Americans are launched again from U.S. soil.

An American flag that flew on the first shuttle flight and returned to orbit aboard Atlantis on July 8, is now at the space station. The first company to get astronauts there will claim the flag as a prize.

Until then, NASA astronauts will continue to hitch rides to the space station on Russian Soyuz spacecraft – for tens of millions of dollars per seat.

Ever since snagging this plum assignment last year, Ferguson and his crew have tried to stay upbeat – focusing on the 30 years of success. They pointed to the delivery and repair of Hubble – one of 180 satellites and other spacecraft launched from the shuttles – and the completion of the space station, more than 12 years and 37 shuttle flights in the making.

But with thousands of layoffs coming as early as Friday – on top of thousands of shuttle jobs already lost – even Atlantis’ determinedly optimistic crew found it difficult at times to put on happy faces.

Local businesses and communities chimed in, hoping to ease the pain.

“Thank you shuttle workers,” read the sign outside Cape Canaveral City Hall.

After months of decommissioning, Atlantis will be placed on public display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Discovery, the first to retire in March, will head to a Smithsonian hangar in Virginia. Endeavour, which returned from the space station on June 1, will go to the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

—

AP writers Mike Schneider at Cape Canaveral and Seth Borenstein in Houston contributed to this report.

Comments (73)

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  • Mother against stupidity
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 11:02am

    yes it is sad if not sickening to see that we r now paying russia 165 million a year to get us into space. Russia honestly. I don’t know about the rest of you but there is some part of me that just screams why are we now in bed w russia when we still have the capability to do it ourselves. Obama took money from nasa to serve his own agenda and honestly i was actually happy when bush said let go to the moon. I was never his cheerleader but that truely made me happy. Yes money is tight but if we get the money that obama took from nasa budget, and the 165 million back from russia and i don’t know get the i believe the nasa administrator back to working on what we do next going to the moon and beyond instead of having nasa admin trying to better our muslium relations with the world maybe we could get back to american know how. I realize nasa isn‘t what it once was during it’s golden age and alot more buearocracy but nasa has already developed the equipment for the space flight to the moon. Why not have the public and private sectors work together for the better of them both. Doesn’t matter hopefully obama will be gone soon and nasa can get back to business

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:25am

    I guess I’m lost. Didn’t NASA just turn into another very expensive government jobs program? What makes NASA any different than any of the other government over-funded programs that really hasn‘t accomplished much since ’69. Why lament what we’re complaining about? Government funded jobs, not private sector jobs.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 11:10am

      Glad somebody else sees this. There is some kind of disconnect people have about things like this.

      Like I said yesterday, most “small government” folks aren’t small government per se, they’re “small government for programs I don’t like”. On the other hand they‘re quite content with huge wasteful bureaucratic government if it’s something they like.

      I’m not condemning folks. I just wish that folks could take a step back from their passions and look at things objectively and with logic instead of emotion.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:16pm

      I have always agreed with you Ghost of Jefferson. I’ve said it many times in here as well. Most of these so called small government, liberty loving Blaze users aren’t really that. They are all about big government as long as it benefits them. I’ve seen more and more people start to open their eyes to this, but while there is progress, there are still so many here that claim to want small government but will do a complete 180 when it’s something they believe should be heavily regulated or prohibited by big government.

      NASA and space exploration is great but not within our budget. Why do we have to even petitition for space exploration to be privatized? Why do these private companies have to petition NASA or get their “go ahead” to develop shuttles to go into space?

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Favored93
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 3:12pm

      For thirty years now NASA has lead the in space exploration. And here comes Osama Obama and we pay the RUSSIANS for seats to go to the space station.
      He is terrifyingly reducing our military we have the smallest navy sense WWI! How can we defend ourselves against space borne threats now? I do not mean threats from aliens but other nations like RUSSIA!!!
      Obama is a traitor and a coward! I wish the American people did not vote with their hearts but their heads!
      My dog in 2012 would be better then Osama Obama!

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • robgc1
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 11:53pm

      Obamas legacy…killed space program

      Report Post » robgc1  
  • imhunderdog
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:25am

    Privatization of the space industry. Great idea. Problem: Government Regulations controlling the private sector, governmental ownership of land. Major changes need to happen to stop these lawyers who have no concept of what true freedom really is.

    Report Post »  
    • BorderCollieFeeder
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 2:39pm

      Absolutely correct. Private industry cannot sustain the liability of manned spaceflight in any regard. It is one thing that government SHOULD do. The astronauts are AF – the program is privatized – and always has been. The USA Space Alliance is a collection of private businesses – and many other private businesses contract to NASA – NASA is the governing body. It would be amazing if someone would actually get this right and report properly, but why bother after thirty years? Look around you. Nearly all of your technology that you enjoy today began with the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. For some armchair blogger to call it a “loser” sends me into fits of laughter. I am sure you are working on a cure for cancer in your garage, right genius? Whatever. I have lived in Brevard County for thirty years among the amazing people out at KSC – many who have spent their lives on this project. Too bad that when some little kids sees one of the shuttles on display and asks their Daddy what it is, he can only reply, “That is what we did when America was great.” Thank you, KSC Shuttle Program Workers – we sure will miss our beautiful, big birds that proudly bore the American Flag on her wing as she soared above all the insignificance of muted and ignorant thought down here on Earth.

      Report Post » BorderCollieFeeder  
  • NotFooled
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:04am

    Another great accomplishment for the Obama’s Presidency. The Collapse of the world’s best space program. If the Republicans don’t take Obama to the mattresses in the 2012 debate and expose his incompetence then our Nation with suffers more domestic defeats. Now if your child says, hey I want to be an Astronaut. Your response will have to be. “It will never be”. Sad day for our Nation.

    Report Post » NotFooled  
  • Hemingway in Cuba
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:44am

    I hate to say it, because for whatever reason it is taboo to speak ill of NASA, but the space shuttle program was a failure.

    The purpose of the program was to have more frequent flight and lower the cost. Instead, like all good government programs, it reduced the services and increased the cost. It was supposed to be 50+ flights a year and than was crunched down to 9. It was suppose to be increasingly cheaper to go to space, but they found a way to make it more expensive.

    Here is another example of how the private sector would excel and get the government out of the business. If we wanted to maintain NASA it would be more cost effective to contract out to companies like Virgin Galactic and many others.

    Report Post » Hemingway in Cuba  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:01am

      Outstanding observations. My father, a retired Marine, was often heard to state that he hoped that the shuttle program was shut down due to all of the things that you mention. We really, really need fully privatized space exploration, it’s really our only hope of permanently getting off of this rock and out to the stars.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:46pm

      Daydreams!

      How many light years is nearest planet with similar atmosphere?
      OR;
      How many light years to transport apparatus to build artificial atmosphere for us?
      Stick to building satellites for communication on this Blue Rock!

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:50pm

      I wonder how long my comment will take to be posted?

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:51pm

      I’m impatient!

      Space travel would never suit me anyway.

      Cryogenics anyone?

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:55pm

      oops!
      Maybe I meant “Cryonics” ?

      Cryonics (from Greek kryos- meaning icy cold) is the low-temperature preservation of humans and animals who can no longer be sustained by contemporary medicine, with the hope that healing and resuscitation may be possible in the future. Cryopreservation of people or large animals is not reversible with current technology. The stated rationale for cryonics is that people who are considered dead by current legal or medical definitions may not necessarily be dead according to the more stringent information-theoretic definition of death.[1] It is proposed that cryopreserved people might someday be recovered by using highly advanced future technology.[2]

      Report Post »  
  • hgaut
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:42am

    I’m sad that today the space shuttle touched down for the last time. We Americans were in the forefront of space and are now reduced to hitching a ride with Russians. I also think of all the people losing their jobs. I hope that if private enterpise takes over and can give people back jobs that the 2012 American govt will not regulate it out of business.

    Report Post » hgaut  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:33am

    It’s over….great, we can stop wasting money on NASA who haven’t done anything to speak of except cost us billions since 1969. Even then it was billions for a box of moon rocks.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:31am

    FL news reports more than 10,000 ARE NOW going to be fully UNEMPLOYED by obama’s decision to KILL the American space programs.

    never such a better campaign ad than THIS one. 10,000 JOBS LOST on one stroke of obama’s pen. .., 10,000 AMERICAN FAMILIES STRUCK DOWN BY OBAMA.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:25am

    “Job well done, America,”…..

    By the way all you Shuttle guys……your all fired

    (Thanks Obama)

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:09am

    Ropes and chains you can believe in.

    Hey Comrade, can you give me a lift? Pleeeaase? Pretty pleeease?

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
  • nptden
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:03am

    WHY? We just gave over to our enemies what we created. Nice to have a Progressive/ Commie Govt.
    who gives all our secretes and knowledge away. Barry wants to give all his Muslim buddies everything we know. America wake up.

    Report Post » nptden  
  • jungle J
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:51am

    like it or not..this is bush’s doing.

    Report Post »  
  • HanginOn
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:47am

    Hey Southsidelib, I can’t wait for the day we cancel all your heroes from power. You can definitely hang that one on us. There are more of us than there are of you.

    Report Post »  
  • Moocephus
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:41am

    This may be the end of the Shuttle Program but NOT the end of the space program. The shuttle was bulky, expensive, and out-dated. Bring on the Rocket-Men!!! As much as I hate OSabama, It was Clinton and Bush that allowed this program to retire. Get real people. What has the space program contributed to fight hunger in the world, or womens rights, or pro-life causes. Yes we were able to get telescopes up into space that gave us great pics… but to NASA a pictures worth a 1000 dollars.

    Report Post » Moocephus  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 11:29am

      Bush scheduled the end of the Shuttle PROGRAM.
      This is not the end of NASA.
      obama will use it to reach out to muslims – HUH???? What’s up with THAT?

      Shuttles are extremely expensive, and the ROI just doesn’t justify continuing to operate them.

      Satellites can be lauched on rockets – no shuttle expense or astronauts lives at risk or cost of training.

      Satellites can also launch unmanned missions to Mars, and we are decades from manned missions to Mars.

      I’m still not sure WHY we need to go there, though. To look at the rocks?

      ATTEMPT to ‘prove’ evolution? (amoeba came from rocks and people came from amoeba)

      We have PLENTY to focus on here on Earth. Plenty of needy people. Plenty of technology to create and innovate. And most of all, a Nation to SAVE for our children and our children’s children!!!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • HanginOn
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:35am

    Thanks a lot Mr. “Community organizer” for adding another scar to our beloved nation. You have ripped yet another dream from our grasp in punitive effort to please your dead alcoholic, whore-mongering daddy.

    We know all that matters to you is getting re-elected so you can continue to fulfill his dream of destroying the United States. Although he enjoyed attending our universities and sampling our clueless, spoiled brat young women, he wanted this nation destroyed and passed that desire down to you through your ungrateful mother.

    You have damaged my country more than any enemy we have ever faced. You took full advantage of the last 40 years of leftist indoctrination that has poisoned the minds of the weak and gained power through the only true gift you have, your smooth talk. Today you can claim another victory in your parents unholy quest.

    As a nation, we long for the day when you get to join them and celebrate your victories in hell. Please do not quit smoking.

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:37am

      obama is strung out on his coke, no more doubts. LOOK at him. plus he is desperate and is so far wacked out now that everything he touches is immediately TOTALLY destroyed now. they say in FL tehy are losing 10,000+ jobs and thousands of Space Coast businesses will be directly affected.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • ronaldreaganthegreat
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:52am

      Spot on!

      Report Post » ronaldreaganthegreat  
  • checkit
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:22am

    Thanks to the White House our Space Technology and thousands of jobs are now lost.

    Thank you, MORON Democrats.

    Do you Moron democrats have any idea what all we have invented and learned and obtained and surpassed other nations and provided National security all from these space programs…

    Now obama wants to “PAY” the Russians to have one of our guys go up with them.

    Complete destruction at all levels, that has to be the plan.
    If you vote for the democrats this coming election, you either hate America and want it destroyed, or your just dumber than dumb and should move to canada or mexico.

    Report Post » checkit  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:34am

      FL news was saying 10,000 JOBS are now LOST…10,000 families and thousands of businesses affected.. obama just effectively killed off a huge chunk of the FL Space Coast.

      now there is ANOTHER great campaign ad against him.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
  • notmeatglennbeckdotcom
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:15am

    “Now. Uh. Let me Be Clear. Get this vehicle uh out of here and um gut this place. We’ve got some Muslim Outreach to do. Make No Mistake, we’re uh, going to prove global warming, and uh, are those satellites in Russia yet for the next Soyuz launch? When’s my tee time?”

    Listed to the dialogue on this video and tell me this is not an EPIC mistake by the worst President in the history of this Country. Destroying the US piece-by-piece.

    Report Post »  
    • SouthSideLib
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:23am

      Bush cancelled the shuttle program, not Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • checkit
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:26am

      This will also destroy thousands and thousands of jobs. I agree obama and the democrats are just to ignorant (Lacking Knowledge).

      Report Post » checkit  
    • SouthSideLib
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:46pm

      CheckIT- 1st as I stated above, it was Bush who cancelled the shuttle program. 2nd- If you’re going TO call a person ignorant, you should probably use the right word (the correct way TO state that is TO say he is TOO ignorant.)

      Report Post »  
  • NWalters78
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:03am

    Well, there goes about 40K jobs from the US, never to return. Thanks alot Obama, but even more thanks to you stupid, sniveling, shortsighted, narrow-minded Obama voters. And double thanks to you conservatives, so-called conservatives, who sat back and let this all happen. Well, there will be over 5000 jobs lost in Houston, plus the livelihoods of THOSE FAMILIES, and all the service/entertainment industries that relied on NASA. Thanks a bunch, liberals. By the way, 2012 will come with a vengeance. Promise.

    And to the moron who called the shuttle, a flying brick, that brick had 2 accidents with 2 crews lost. Way to show your sensitive side, you jackwagon.

    Report Post » NWalters78  
    • SouthSideLib
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:48pm

      The shuttle is often referred to as a flying brick. Also, a lot not alot

      Report Post »  
  • The Patriot
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:59am

    the flying brick has landed

    Report Post »  
  • frodis
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:52am

    Well I guess we blame Clinton to start. He should have signed off on a new shuttle project during the 90′s. Then Bush should have continued the work and then Obama finish it off, you know he likes to spend money. It’s just a sad day in America that we have officially bowed out of manned space flight. It really breaks my heart. Good luck next generation of commies and socialists on your future manned space explorations. BTW Obama snubbed Houston. To think I grew up wanting to be an astronaut. If I had succeeded then I’d be out of a job today.

    Report Post » frodis  
    • brntout
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:38am

      He also snubbed Wright-Patterson AFB”s air and space museum in Dayton.No politics there.

      Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:46am

    We’ll be back.

    We’re Americans.

    That is all.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:39am

      That’s the high and low of it. I am personally happy to have private enterprise finally take over, they should have never been restricted to begin with.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:59am

      The one real problem with the space program is that there was very little concrete purpose to it. Most human exploration went hand in hand with trade and/or conquest. What is there in space that would make it profitable to go there? Now if we could get some miners up on the Moon that would be something. Otherwise the most sensible thing would be to wrap NASA into the Defense department, because that‘s really the most practical use we’ve made of it for years. But getting this administration to see the importance of having a military presence in space, fat chance.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:13am

      Correct. NASA is similar to the ancient Chinese explorers commissioned by their emperors to give prestige to their regimes. They made some discoveries for discovery’s sake, but without an economic incentive to explore they did nothing else and the discoveries were then forgotten and lost in time.

      The real explorers with lasting impact were all seeking out new trade routes and markets. From Columbus forward. Even the Vikings were looking for new avenues for wealth (albeit ill gotten wealth) when they managed to fumble around and lurk into Greenland/Iceland/Newfoundland.

      Mining asteroids and the moon for commodities like fresh water and base metals could be a huge boon to us both economically and technologically, as well as putting us finally into space on a regular basis as a “day job”.

      Frankly I’m almost giddy to see government get out of the way.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • StevenL1955
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:42am

    Wasn’t the shuttle program GREEN enough for you Mr Obama? The ship was re-cycled right? I just wonder now that he‘s been in almost three years if those who voted for him are pleased with what he’s doing to America? Are you happy with it?

    I am not saying things like you libs are dumb, your not, your our fellow American’s and in our hearts we know you really love America, and your voters and you have the right to vote for whom you please. I respect that, But I honestly cannot believe you guys are happy with the downfall of America or happy with the job President Obama is doing.

    Hillary Clinton even said to him in one debate “Barrack? this is NOT a job for on the job training” He is tearing our country apart guys, he simply does not know what he is doing in the job. This is so stupid stopping the space program without another plan or program in place first, if you want to quit a job, don’t you find another one first before you quit the one you have?

    Report Post » StevenL1955  
  • RootsOfTruth
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:40am

    In “88 My School named the Shuttle Endeavor … The future seemed Bright

    Today The last shuttle is grounded & the future has never seemed darker

    Thx Much Obama

    Report Post » RootsOfTruth  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:29am

    Well, has OBAMA rendered us COMPLETELY HELPLESS YET….or is there still an OUNCE of LIFE in us, or what?

    I just CAN’T BELIEVE America has FOLLOWED OR ALLOWED someone who has PROVEN THEMSELEVES to be such a HORRIBLE immitation of a leader – and has SHUT DOWN every VITAL ORGAN of this Country….who has been WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING…..FACTS, FIGURES, INFO, DECISIONS ( or lack thereof)….AND IS STILL IN CHARGE.

    Talk about SHEEP BEING LED TO THE SLAUGHTER…..WE ARE!

    Now that HE has SHUT DOWN THE SPACE CENTER….I guess Russia, China and Iran will have FULL REIGN of the sky….and things will only get worse from here.

    Thanks America for VOTING FOR THIS F- – KER and putting him IN CHARGE.

    Report Post »  
  • DeannaRae
    Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:21am

    I stood outside this morning and heard the double sonic boom. I realized that the end of this program may very well be symbolic of the end of the greatness of this country. It has once again strengthened my resolve to fight to preserve freedom for my children and grandchildren. Will we preserve those freedoms? With God’s help……..

    Report Post » DeannaRae  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 7:34am

      Greatness does not come from government programs, not even nifty cool ones. I have no animus towards the Shuttle program nor NASA, however I find it a source of bright hope that private enterprise will finally have the shackles of government monopoly removed from them in this arena.

      Every shuttle, space craft, every single copper wise or transistor in every single spacecraft we own was made by private industry. If private enterprise had been allowed full reign on the actual exploration part we’d already have colonies on Mars in my opinion. Assuming that they are truly allowed to finally take charge of this and that it isn’t a symbolic farce, I foresee a great new day of space exploration on the horizon.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • DeannaRae
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:09am

      @GhostofJefferson -

      Nor did I assert that greatness comes from govt programs. Indeed loss of liberty always emanates from powerful government. However, our space program has enriched the country in many ways and I remember watching the planting of our flag on the moon 42 years ago yesterday. I hope that private enterprise will pick up and run with this, but there is still a sense of loss with the closing of the program.

      Report Post » DeannaRae  
    • harumph
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:27am

      I, too, sat in front of our little b&w TV watching as we took that first step on the moon’s surface. Although NASA was a government-run program, the difference was, it required the best and the brightest from our nation to succeed. And succeed it did. I am immensely proud to have lived during NASA’s glory years. It truly helped America become the great nation it is, today.
      I am only sorry our fearless leader does not recognize NASA‘s achievements or this nation’s greatness.
      And, don’t be fooled. The privatized space program will be taxed and regulated beyond belief to make sure we will never, again colonize.

      Report Post » harumph  
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