I just have to say that I think it would be really interesting if NASA started to use newer materials that they have at their disposal... if they started using their intelligence to advance their technology, what our space program would look like.  I agree that NASA really needs to get their act together and start creating a newer and better space shuttle.  We aren't too far from 2018 right now and I hope that there won't be any space accidents before then.  I wonder if there are any models for the new shuttles.