Space Shuttle Era Ends, What’s Next?

The Space Shuttle Era ends and I’m sad. The Space Shuttles were transformed into museum relics when they were delivered to the Smithsonian this week.

Space Shuttle Discovery arrives at Smithsonian
Photo Credit: NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Carolyn Russo

One wonders what the future holds for the manned American Space Program.

Will it be Lockheed Martin’s vision discussed in their YouTube video: A New Era of Space Exploration?

What will happen to the International Space Station?

According to NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, ‘failure is not an option.’ See the entire article “What’s Next for NASA?

I fear that the future of manned space flight may be dim, at least in the near future. I also believe that humans have an insatiable need to explore, to find frontiers, and that need will fuel new and exciting missions in space.

As the Space Shuttle era ends, what do you think will happen next? What do you think the future holds for manned space flight? For the International Space Station? For space exploration? As always, I appreciate your time and love your comments. Keep them coming!