Kurt, we'll just have to agree to disagree on that. I've got very fond memories of the X-15 and think it was a hell of a vehicle. But I just don't think that it was anywhere close to a technology that could reach orbital or escape velocities. I love the idea of a true space plane, but I don't feel any kind of Manhattan-style project will get us there. There is so much to learn in all areas of technology and materials science. I think you build on what you have. One day you look around and find that all the pieces are nearly there. I just don't think we're at that point. -------------------

I was very disappointed to see NASA promoting this "back to past" repeat of the Apollo program as the CEV. It's old dead Apollo technology. What is needed is to knuckle down and complete the promise of the 60's X-plane program and finish a true single-stage-to-orbit space plane.