In light of the current situation with Discovery and the status of NASA, also considering its achievements over the last 40 years, what should the US's future in space be?

1. Abandon the Space Program. It waste tax dollars on things that don't benefit the common man. Man wasn't meant to be in space anyway!

2. Retire Shuttle, but persue a projects in near-earth orbit, leaving the Moon and Mars for the mid-decades of this century We should build a new vehicle, but focus on building the Space Station. Robots have proven themselves adept at exploring Mars. Man can wait. :)

3. Mars-ward Ho! Kick those who lack the vision and ambition for this venture out of NASA and the government. Increase NASA's budget by tens of billions. Crash research into new propulsion and engines. Settle the Moon and make it a base for the journey to Mars, etc

4. Leave it to Branson! NASA has its place, but let capitalists like Richard Branson lead the way with space commerical flights, space station hotels, moon tours, etc. Soon the public will cry out to colonize Mars and Virgin Martian Real Estate will lead the way. :rofl: