There are a number of design/operational goals the shuttle didn't meet. They are 1) cost/ lb of payload to LEO, 2) flights /year, 3) unable to take 27000 lb p/l to polar orbit due to increase in orbiter weight, 4)higher turnaround costs in SSME, tps, oms/rcs, than planned. The flight failures were avoidable. Imagine how one would look at program if these failures had not occurred.
One must consider what a technically difficult mission the shuttle mission is. The deficiencies can be fixed. The shuttle can be improved. It has many excellent capabilities that the SLS and cots will never have. The shuttle concept is much better than the other approaches.
With improvements the AF could use it. It could be operated without a crew and as the shuttle C for heavy payloads.
Critics feel the shuttle took the USA on a road to nowhere. I contend the SLS and COTS will take the USA on that road.
If the shuttle through commercialization had been given a chance, eventually it could compete with other launch systems.
It has tremendous potential, America will be the big looser for not using it and continue to improve it.
Aldrin and many other space experts recommend this approach.
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