After grief comes the realpolitik.

The article focusses on consequences of the loss of Columbia space shuttle on not only the US space programme but also for the future of crewed space exploration. On March 1 , 2003 the space shuttle Atlantis was to have delivered the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module designed for transferring cargo onto and off the station, and the External Stowage Platform, to supply additional storage space. Although NASA has been insisting in recent years that science is at the forefront of its space programme, its partners in the project have complained about proposed budget cuts that would have shrunk lab space and cut the station's permanent crew from seven to three. Even before the accident, science experiments were being squeezed off shuttle schedules.