Why is there no new space shuttle?
“The bottom line answer is that it was too expensive. Way too expensive,” former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory system engineer Mark Adler wrote in 2015. “The shuttle and the space station completely dominated NASA’s budget for human space flight, to the point that no significant new developments were possible.
How was the space shuttle program a failure?
The mix of compromise, lack of funding, the limitations of 1970s technology, and the inability to upgrade or improve the system led to the shuttle’s downfall. When the Shuttle was first being advocated within NASA, it was much different, with two completely reusable stages and a relatively small payload bay.
What was supposed to replace the shuttle?
NASA has selected the two spacecraft that will replace the Space Shuttle — taking astronauts to the International Space Station beginning in 2017. In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, NASA officials announced that both the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing CST-100 will move forward as part of the Commercial Crew Program.
What did the Space Shuttle program accomplish?
During its history, the space shuttle flew many different types of missions. It launched satellites and served as an orbiting science laboratory. Its crews repaired and improved other spacecraft, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. The shuttle also flew missions for the military.
What was the purpose of the Space Shuttle program?
The Space Shuttle program (SSP) plays a vital role in enabling NASA’s vision and mission. This includes advancing human exploration and providing safe access to space in support of human operations in low Earth orbit. The Shuttle’s primary role is to complete the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS).
Does NASA still use the Space Shuttle?
The retirement of NASA’s Space Shuttle fleet took place from March to July 2011. Discovery was the first of the three active Space Shuttles to be retired, completing its final mission on March 9, 2011; Endeavour did so on June 1.