Replacing the Shuttle

NASA plans to unveil plans for a speedy replacement to the Space Shuttle later this month. The twin designs will move the cargo and crew capsules to the top of rockets -- away from rocket engines and falling debris. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that's a good idea.

Discovery blasted off last week -- the first American manned flight in two-and-a-half years. The entire fleet was grounded after Columbia broke up on reentry in 2003. Shortly after Discovery's launch, NASA grounded the fleet again due to problems detected during the launch.

NASA plans to canabalize Shuttle parts to build simplified ships. Unmanned cargo rockets will be able to lift nearly 100 tons into orbit. Smaller, manned ships will use a single Shuttle booster rocket to carry a capsule -- similar to the Apollo moon missions -- into orbit.

Using parts already produced will allow NASA to create a replacement more quickly. At the same time it will save on design and test costs -- and keep contractors who supply parts in business. (NYT)