Reuters reports that NASA is thinking of replacing the shuttles with next-generation Apollo-type capsules.
Under pressure to ensure safe manned spaceflight and space transport, the agency said it is looking in the option to use capsules as a viable alternative for the ageing shuttles.
“Certainly we have considerable amount of experience flying with capsules. One might say on the capsule side it could be that that design experience may lead to a capsule being available sooner than a winged vehicle.”
According to Reuters, many astronauts support the idea of the use of capsules. A study headed by John Young, a veteran shuttle and capsule astronaut, cited the versatility of the capsules which can move from low orbit to beyond the moon.