Space shuttle Columbia dissinegrates on re-entry

[lazyfatbum]

"the exploration of space will never be without risk. But it is mandatory that we use the best technology, human expertise and human dedication available to minimize that risk at all times. And it is certain that the benefits to humanity are worth the risk we cannot avoid."

~Astronaut John Young, Assistant Director; Johnson Space Center and Commander of the first Space Shuttle Mission




From left to right: The X-33, The Venture Star and the Current Space Shuttle design.

"X-10" came from the aerodynamics that was implemented for the first generation designs of these space planes (100% recoverable) and has since gone through a name change for whatever reason. Perhaps they found even better aerodynamics or just got sick of saying "X-10". Notice the size of the Venture Star... my guess is that a plane like that would be for something a bit more than orbits... the "X-33" is the one that we should see being used more often.

And it gets better, NASA has put together a cheap way to send people in to space using a small rocket and a payload device simmilar to that of the first manned orbital missions. You blast off, orbit the Earth and land with a parachute all while inside a bucket the size of a volkswagon, and all the leg room of a coach flight sitting behind a woman who weighs one cubic ton.... count me out. I'll wait till they make the IMAX 3-D ride of it.