John Glenn wants shuttle program back

Former Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn has joined the growing
chorus urging President Barack Obama not to end NASA’s manned
space-flight program.

Glenn recently released a
lengthy statement outlining his support for the space shuttle program
the Obama administration has indicated
it plans to terminate after the final launch this fall. Glenn, the
first American to orbit the Earth, called it “hard to accept” that
American astronauts would have to rely on other countries in order to
reach space.

“The Shuttle is probably the most
complex vehicle ever assembled and flies in the harshest of
environments,” Glenn said. “Why terminate a perfectly good system that
has been made more safe and reliable through many years of development?”

The
administration has said it will rely on private space companies to
ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. Glenn expressed
concern about the safety of that approach, pointing out that NASA has
always relied on contractors but never entrusted new companies with
complete control of a space launch.

“What is new is placing 100% confidence in smaller, less experienced companies if the Shuttles are retired, with no backup, for extremely complex missions,” Glenn said. “I am glad to see multi-company interest in commercial space development, but at this early stage of their experience they should be phased in only after they demonstrate a high degree of competency and reliability, particularly with regard to safety concerns.”

Glenn said contrary to reports the shuttles are in excellent condition and are performing well.

“And the Shuttles are not worn out. Far from it. Design specifications were for a minimum of 100 missions per vehicle. We have used up only about one-third of that design life.”

Glenn added that, at $55.8 million per astronaut, the government would not save any money by contracting with Russia for rides to the space station. He also emphasized the symbolic and inspirational value of the Shuttle program, which he said is an example of American technical expertise and an inspiration to countless students.