I'm sure life at NASA would have been different without the massive recession, but many programs were being challenged for cost as far back as 2005/2006. The Mars programs were suspect, even with the splitting of costs with the Europeans. I'm sure the shuttle could have given them a couple more years, but I think they were increasingly worried about that program.

But Orion carries on. NASA is doing a great job adapting I think.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/co...ion/index.html

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/index.html

Sorry to see the end of it all. I worked on the Shuttle's maintenance building a few decades ago. I wish I could have seen the last flight. Thanks for the pix.

Oops my bad
Constitution hall