If you think about it, decommissioning the space shuttle somewhat makes sense. The technology it uses is far surpassed by our smart phones. That's not to say it doesn't still work just fine, but should probably be updated. Who is to say that NASA isn't going to design and build something that could take us, not just to the space station and the moon, but to Mars as well? I don't think of it as the end, but just a pause so that the next chapter is even better.

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"BOY: On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? GIRL: Will he offer me his mouth? BOY: Yes. GIRL: Will he offer me his teeth? BOY: Yes. GIRL: Will he offer me his jaws? BOY: Yes. GIRL: Will he offer me his hunger? BOY: Yes. GIRL: Again, will he offer me his hunger? BOY: Yes! GIRL: Yes. BOY: On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? GIRL: Yes. BOY: I bet you say that to all the boys!" -Meatloaf