The role of the space shuttle in human spaceflight: a space shuttle retrospective

Article Abstract:

An analysis is presented of the role of the space shuttle in the space program from its initial governmental commitment by President Nixon in 1972 to the delivery of Atlantis in February 2001. The shuttle remains important in keeping the dream of human spaceflight alive, though it did not fulfill its original goals of shuttling astronauts to space stations were not met.

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The domino effect: How serious is the shuttle delay and what harm can it cause?

Article Abstract:

NASA's space shuttle fleet would not fly until the vehicle's foam-shedding faults are fixed as during its launch two fragments of insulation had torn off and a smaller piece had almost scraped the right wing. Shuttle program manager Bill Parsons feels that it would take at least three months for the faults to be corrected.

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A space shuttle retrospective: the role of the space shuttle in human spaceflight

Article Abstract:

The history of the United States space shuttle program is revisited, with a focus on evaluating its effectiveness relative to the goals outlined at its inception. The case for continuing human exploration of space is compelling, as is the need for a program to replace the shuttle.

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