hmm, i thought that they had less time, and it seems that they have been plauged many problems lately. maybe it's just a phase (sorta like the terrible twos
), but we'll still need something to replace them eventually. even if the shuttles do last for another 20 years, the cost to put 1 pound into space is rahter high, is it not? with a space elevator, all the fuel would not be needed, and the entire proccess would be much cheaper, or at least according to everything i've read.