As someone in NASA (The DSN to be specific) I have to say I agree whole heartedly. While the Space Shuttle has done quite well over the years it’s deffinetly NOT the way we need to go to actually expand into space.
I also agree with Progress brought up some good points that there are lots of stupid laws and treaties between us and more effective means of getting to space.
My favorite? The Mag Cannon. Yes, shades of Saddam’s “Super cannon” but in truth just a giant linear cannon for launching mass into orbit. This idea would allow us to actually build our highway into space by removing one of the largest wastes in the current model: getting into space.
If we could just build ships for space use only (like you see in Sci-Fi) we’d do WONDERFULLY! Building ships entirely in space with no need for atmospheric entry would do wonders for our manned space exploration. We’d also be able to build better space stations and get people up to them easier.
Another good plan is the space elevator idea. Sure there are lots of problems with it but litterally bridging the gap between space and earth has some major advantages.
In the end, as you said, what we really need is a way to get to space cheaper, more regularly, and by more people with less waste.
