With only about nine flights scheduled before the space shuttles are retired, there is still some work to do. The shuttle Endeavour is being prepared for a rescue mission. Concerns that the shuttle Atlantis may find trouble has led NASA to prepare for an emergency rescue mission if needed. I’m sure we all remember what happened to the shuttle Columbia which ended the lives of seven astronauts.

I hope the mission is not needed, but I’m glad we are prepared just in case. I believe the space program is important and will lead to new discoveries on earth as well as in space. Good luck to crews of these missions!