Until we build a shuttle that works, any space venture will be nothing more than an expensive stunt. Orion (Notice how we assign pagan names to all of our spacecraft?) is an attempt to bring back the glory days of Apollo. Ironically, the shuttle component being re used for this project are the very components that caused both shuttle tragedies.The orbiter itsself never failed. In Challenger, the strap on rocket boosters failed causing the external tank to explode and destroy the orbiter. In Columbia, the external tank shed foam damaging the orbiter. Ironically, we are scrapping the orbiter and converting the solid rocket boosters into a rocket to launch the Orion space craft. The external tank is being converted into a heavy lift rocket for the yet to be designed lunar lander and Lunar insertion booster. It is doubtfull that enough funding will be provided to see any of this come to fruition. Even if it does fly, each flight will be very expensive because it will once again be based on expendable rockets and space craft. The entire project is a step in the wrong direction and I will advise my representatives to vote against funding it.
