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A Safe Landing

Entry 206, on 2005-08-12 at 14:38:23 (Rating 1, Science)

I was very relieved to see the recent safe landing of the Space Shuttle. In a political environment where science isn't greatly valued, its important that the space program shouldn't suffer too many problems.

After two years of using other launch systems NASA now has its most important vehicle available again - or at least it will have after the minor issue with the damage to the tiles is resolved and the Shuttle program is fully operational again. No doubt, the Shuttle does need to be replaced by a more modern system, with fewer safety issues - the Shuttle is really our first attempt at a reusable vehicle and has many design flaws - but until the next shuttle is ready in about 5 years we have to make do with what we've got.

I think the space program is an important activity which should be continued and deserves better funding than it currently gets. Many people just don't get how important this type of research is. They say the space program has no practical value, then go and watch a satellite TV program, or make an international phone call using a satellite. The fact is that the practical results of space research are used every day.

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