I heard some musings that perhaps the Buran and the other close to completion Russian shuttles could be completed, using the other shuttles for parts, using NASA components perhaps and so on. The idea was in case NASA could no longer continue shuttle flights after the Colombia was lost.

I’m really not too sure about the Orion anyway. I think that if rockets are the way you want to do things then this is the best solution for years, and anything that allows us to get back to the Moon can only be a wonderful thing.

But Just how reuseable is it, won’t it be just a basic vehicle to transport astronauts from A to B and little more? A vehicle as versatile as the shuttle is also required.

Other things you might want to think about are insurance, servicing costs and how much money you might be able to sell it for in a few years. Hope this helps!

I would probably go for the Golf, Its probably cheaper to get repairs than on a Merc.

Alternatives

If the prices really get this high then the UK might be as well to get a load of F-22s instead?

We could use them for air policing and use the typhoons for strike and CAS. The Navy could fly Rafales, everyone gets good hardware.

I know it sounds crazy, but if the F-22 turn out cheaper than the F-35 then why not?

Stop the RN movie at about 2:50 and an E-2 Hawkeye can clearly be seen on the right hand side of the screen.

Who knows what the answer is.
And I must say you are right that there are certainly some things that deserve explanation which we are yet to get an answer, and I do keep an open mind when it comes to the paranormal.

There is one thing i experienced when i was younger that i have not mentioned yet, mainly bcause i am not sure of myself, but here goes.

It was when i was still at my first school, about 8 years old. I had just been to the bathroom and was heading back to class. On the way i had to pass a staircase, and something caught my eye. I stood transfixed in the gaze of a monk who was standing further up the stairs. His hood was up, but did not cover his face, and yet where his face should have been was nothing but blackness. I also recall hearing singing, monastical hymns or something similar. I turned away and walked back to class.

As i have gotten older i have told myself that it was just the over active imagination of a small boy, and that kids like to make up stories to their friends. But still, i can still see it now if i close my eyes, and for all the world it seemed as though there really was something there.

But I guess i will never know.

I must admit that my last response was not a serious suggestion, and I agree with you completely.