ASCI 512 Case study 3

ASCI 512 Case study 3.4 Analysis

Review the readings and videos below for the shuttle's last mission, STS-135. Now that NASA has had to rely solely on the Russian Soyuz for ISS transportation, analyze the factors that affected that decision to retire flightworthy orbiters. Add content to one or both positions (similar to a SWOT Analysis (Links to an external site.) -- see also SWOT Analysis - Do It Properly! (Links to an external site.)) based on this case study of the final flight: 1) The shuttle's retirement was necessary for safety concerns and/or budget pressures, or alternatively, 2) The U.S. should have had another spacecraft in place for ISS transportation to assure access to space before the shuttle was retired.

Rather than the regular individual posts and peer feedback, first, post your position. Then, read the posts of your peers and add synergistic content in support of one or both positions as the discussion progresses. 

For this exercise, it is important to start adding content early in the module week!

Case study readings and videos:

• STS-135: The Final Mission (PDF)/NASA (Links to an external site.) (pp. 1-164)
• NASA STS Mission Summary (PDF)/NASA (Links to an external site.)
• Exiting Countdown & T-31 hold - Launch Last Space Shuttle STS-135 (25:27/YouTube)
• STS-135 Mission Highlights (58:13/YouTube)