[Michael Ray]

if the shuttle has been flyin for over 20 years......why are we just hearing about these problems with insulation now??

Because small failures (I think they said 15,000 documented) didn't bring the shuttle down until two years ago...

From what I've heard from the test area, none of the simulated repairs that can be done in space have worked either.

 

[Michael Ray]

A ton of technology originally designed for the space program has filtered down into our lives. Of course, it probably would have ended up there eventually anyhow. We got into space because we're wired for exploration. Otherwise, we would all still be in Africa.