> Regardless what any critics might have to say, the Space Shuttle Orbiters (and all their accessories) are practically heroes wherever they go. They're a kid's dreams brought to reality and then some.

They certainly have enormous cultural cachet. There's a reason why, even now, it's pretty common for movies to use a shuttle when they want a rocket that takes people to space.

Too bad they were hot garbage when it came to actual performance.

> I hope we can fly something as cool looking and mindblowing as them again some day.

I like to think that we're already doing that right now.

The Falcon 9 is doing the job the Shuttle was created do to: it's a cheap, powerful, and reliable taxi to LEO.