Atlantis - An End of An Era

As the space shuttle Atlantis had a flawless blastoff from Cape Canaveral this morning at 8:26 am EDT, it is the end of an era for America and NASA.  With no new program, either with NASA or the private sector, what will come next for the United States and our space program? 

Many accomplishments have been attributed to our efforts to explore beyond the reaches of Earth.  Many things we take for granted today are as a direct results of the race to space and our desire to see what is "out there".  Space technology has impacted all our lives, in the food we eat, how we communicate, are entertained and the materials we use; just to name a few benefits.   Even how we view the universe today is different than 50 years ago, as knowledge from the space program is even challenging some of the laws of physics, as we understand more about the cosmos.

The shuttle was a workhorse to space, which, after 30 years,  had become expensive and outdated.  A new launch system is needed which is more efficient and cost effective.  That could well come from private contractors, free enterprise and a "for profit" concept.  Encouraging ideas as it well could be the next industry that takes America's Economy beyond.


What is next?  A good question, but I'm sure one that will be answered soon.  In the meantime, "Godspeed Atlantis"!