Public Support and Challenges

        Despite advances in technology, education, and more efficient uses of resources, both the United States and Russia have had a few major setbacks in their space program history. The primary cause for setbacks is funding; without public support, these programs would not be possible. Another major setback is evaluating safety standards after the loss of life. All cosmonauts understand the risks of their jobs, but still believe the benefits are worth the risks. Virgil Grissom of Apollo 1 who passed away in a fire during a preflight test at the launch pad stated, "If we die, we want people to accept it. We are in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life." (Alexandria, 1989)

        In 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded on reentry into the atmosphere due to a defective joint in the rocket's motors causing damage to the shuttle during liftoff. Modifications were made to the design of the shuttle and test programs were set up to ensure that the problems had been resolved. It wasn't until 1988, that the United States sent another manned spaceflight. (Hamilton, 2001)

        Then again, recently in February of 2003, the Columbia exploded after liftoff killing all on board due to a faulty seal. (Wikipedia, 2004)

        Recently, many parties have shunned the use of these 20 year old shuttles because of their old designs, aged reusable parts, their expense to maintain, and lack of safety.