Accessories for a Retiring Shuttle Fleet

NASA Set Approves New Unpressurized Logistics Carrier for Space Shuttle Fleet, SpaceRef

Editor's note: The enclosed CR pitch was presented for Full/Final implementation on 12 October 2005 at JSC. In so doing, NASA approved development of 5 new unpressurized payload carriers for the Space Shuttle fleet to be develoepd at GSFC at a total cost of $120 million. What I still don't understand is why this new system is needed - one which won't enter service until 2007 - only to become useless when the shuttle fleet stops flying in 2010. Given the ever shrinking number of remaining shuttle flights, will all of these payload carriers ever even fly?

New Accessories for a Retiring Shuttle Fleet, 12 October 2005