Space Shuttle Program Should Be Shuttered
Re “Nominee Seeks Shuttle Replacement,” April 13: As a lifelong space enthusiast, I have been a strong advocate for the country’s manned space program and the reinstatement of the Teacher in Space mission. But now I have grave second thoughts. Michael D. Griffin, the new NASA administrator, is on the right track when he recommends replacement of the space shuttle.
The space shuttle program, which has cost the lives of 14 astronauts in the Challenger and Columbia disasters, is unsafe, obsolete and should be replaced. The safety of the half-built International Space Station also is in question.
NASA’s lax safety culture has cast a dark cloud over the future of our manned space program. NASA should develop a new spacecraft with an escape-pod system for astronauts to use in deadly accidents. If manned spaceflight is put on hold for five or 10 years, then so be it. Astronaut safety must be NASA’s primary mission.
Rick Schreiner
San Marino
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