>>Are we really going in the right direction I ask?<<Anything that takes us out of Low Earth Orbit is definitely the right direction. The only major problem I have with the "Vision For Space Exploration" program is the Ares-1 "Stick". That thing is an Albatross around Nasa's neck and has wasted too much time and money as it is.And as for Shuttles and spaceplanes: I've noticed a lot of people who object to spacecraft in the form of capsules are young people who've grown up never knowing anything else but the Shuttle. Any other form of vehicle is like something from a history book to them, while all the while they are missing the point that the Soyuz design is the most prolific and successful manned spacecraft in history. With only minor modifications, that thing could fly to the Moon!!!
When it comes to spaceplanes, know that private industry will eventually provide regular winged transport between Earth and LEO. Don't expect Nasa to develop those vehicles: They're heading somewhere MUCH higher!!!
Do we really think that a glorified capsule will be what the American public is looking for? A souped up version of something that we created over 40 years ago? Is that the best that NASA can offer?Are we really going int he right direction I ask?