It seems NASA is hoping to resume shuttle flights by December 18.

Interestingly, this is one day after the release of Return of the King. Coincidence? … Yeah, probably.

On one hand, I’m glad we’ll be back in space soon. Even if it takes until next year, at least they’re trying to get going again before we lose too much momentum. On the other hand, I’ve heard nothing about plans to design a replacement launch vehicle – something the manned space program desperately needs.