Pokye

Space Shuttle Discovery

I am a great fan and supporter of space exploration. Indeed, after the heady days of the Apollo missions, I expected so much and was disappointed that so little happened.Back in the 1960’s, technology was not what it is today. I remember you couldn’t go on a long drive anywhere without passing the odd car stuck in a layby with it’s bonnet (hood) up, broken down again – yet we could put men on the moon.

Today, the ageing and almost obsolete Space Shuttles remind me of those cars. I’m sure the astronauts don’t expect to have to get out and tighten up the bolts before they can complete their journey. It seems a great shame that in the 25 odd years since the first Shuttle launch we have not had the will to move on.

I wish the crew of Discovery a safe return to home, and then NASA should retire the Shuttle to the museum – where it now belongs.