Congress and several people are pushing to keep shuttles flying past 2010..

[Waterbuffalo]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071218/sc_nm/space_shuttle_dc;_ylt=AghoYiUwbqd02QUpZzSoZJAPLBIF

[Chief]

His proposal, which would cost about $10 billion, would have the shuttles make six or seven additional flights between 2010 and 2013 and speed up development of the Orion ships to be ready by then.

A second proposal would keep the shuttles flying until 2015 and leave Orion's schedule alone.

"This is an issue of priorities," said Weldon, who announced his plan at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center on Monday.

It comes down to money, and nearly 40 year old technology. Look at the trouble NASA has right now with the external tank....there is no way that anyone can nail down the costs of continuing the shuttle program that far out.

It's a nice thought, but I doubt this will ever see the light of day.

[Waterbuffalo]

Well I thought I'd post it for our general leaning audience here..