The proposed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) budget seeks to end aspects of the current manned space flight program, with the prospect that private companies will design and operate rockets for orbital missions. The idea is to save money that is now in short supply, and to encourage entrepreneurs to come up with innovative technologies for more ambitious, longer-term voyages. The proposal ran into some skeptical questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who questioned the idea of killing the current program without specific plans for substitute commercial programs. Article [1]
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[1] http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/endeavour-may-be-among-last-manned-flights-as-216555.html