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Nature 421, 684-685 (13 February 2003) | doi:10.1038/421684a

Open Innovation Challenges

Replacing the Space shuttle: On wings and a prayer

Geoff Brumfiel1

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In the wake of Columbia's loss, NASA's efforts to replace its ageing shuttle fleet are coming under fresh scrutiny. Geoff Brumfiel uncovers a tale of high hopes, false starts and immense technical hurdles.

In 1986, just weeks after the space shuttle Challenger exploded, President Ronald Reagan announced plans to develop a successor to the craft. This "new Orient Express", as he called it, would speed from Washington to Tokyo in just two hours, flying at the edge of space.