Will space shuttle missions end by 2010?

NASA managers are meeting this week to discuss the impact of ending projects that have been keeping open the possibility of an extension of the shuttle program, which is currently planned to end in 2010.

NASA faces several challenges, including a tight budget, a 2010 deadline to end space shuttle operations, and a lack of concrete political support to fund additional flights or extend the current manifest. In a note to shuttle managers and engineers that was obtained by CBS News, shuttle program manager John Shannon outlined the issues in stark terms:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-10218473-239.html

it would not surprise me to see the shuttle program contracted out like other government run departments.

NASA will just have to start charging big corporations more money to launch their satellites. The price of TV is going to go up again, glad I don't watch it :)