ABOVE: Space shuttle Discovery left NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, to go on public display at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center outside Washington. (VIDEO: NASA).
NASA is assessing new launch craft options, in partnership with the private aerospace industry.
But for the next five to 10 years, US astronauts will have to hitch a lift to the International Space Station on on Russian Soyuz rickets at $US51 million each.
MORE: Discovery makes final descent (VIDEO); Nasa turns to private enterprise
NBR staff
Tue, 17 Apr 2012
Tue, 17 Apr 2012
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Space Shuttle makes final, piggyback flight (VIDEO)
20165