To the Point

As the Space Shuttle Era Ends, What's Next for NASA?

After 30 years, the $200 billion Shuttle Program ended today when Atlantis landed at Cape Canaveral. As one era of space exploration ends, what's in store for the next one?

By Warren Olney • Jul 21, 2011 • 50m Listen

After 30 years and an investment of some $200 billion, the Space Shuttle Program ended this morning when Atlantis touched down at Cape Canaveral. As one era of space exploration comes to an end, what's in store for the next one? Also, states are making plans for a federal default, and disputes about rural airports and anti-union measures have required 19 stop-gap funding extensions for the Federal Aviation Administration. Can Congress agree on a twentieth by tomorrow's deadline?

Banner image: Space shuttle Atlantis lands for the final time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Warren Olney
former KCRW broadcaster
Andrea Brody
Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast
Karen Radziner
Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?
Christian Bordal
Managing Producer, Greater LA

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To the Point

As the Space Shuttle Era Ends, What's Next for NASA?

After 30 years, the $200 billion Shuttle Program ended today when Atlantis landed at Cape Canaveral. As one era of space exploration ends, what's in store for the next one?

Share

To the Point

As the Space Shuttle Era Ends, What's Next for NASA?

After 30 years, the $200 billion Shuttle Program ended today when Atlantis landed at Cape Canaveral. As one era of space exploration ends, what's in store for the next one?

Share