T minus 140,400

It is now 140,400 seconds to the last US manned space launch probably in this decade.  That is assuming it launches on time, which is not likely, but still, it will be a sad to think we as a nation have so many problems we can no longer put men into space without help from Russia.

I guess that should be chalked up as a consequence of 9/11 and the sky rocketing [pun intended] cost increases in the cost of the shuttle program.

So in honor of that event I share this poem 

Once, there was a scientist sitting in Germany, wondering just what to do

When along came a monster who sat down beside him, and said I can make a rocket for you 

Well quick as a wink, not stopping to think, the scientist said yes -- that will do

Then after the war, when he had rockets no more, the American's came wandering through

Said the Yankee's to Warner, come back  across the water, and we will make rockets -- Just us two

So off he did go, to Huntsville you know, in hopes his big dreams would come true

Two decades away, the US would play with the Saturn he had built his own way

On our way to the Moon, it happened so soon, we didn't know just how to stay

Unfortunately for us, we have lost the vision he brought and the dream he tried to instill

And so we arrive at this very sad day with nary a hope, we just pray

God speed dear Atlantis as you lift this last time; on your fini flight for U.S.A.


PS:  I know there are private ventures in the works in western U.S.  I don't count them for two reasons.  First, they will not carry a practical payload to space.  They will be, at best, thrill rides.  Next, they may launch from the US but they are substantially foreign venture capitalists funded projects.