While recognizing the “compromises” noted in Brian Berger’s article “Discovery Opens Last Chapter for Space Shuttle Born of Compromise ” [Aug. 15, page 1], I would like to point out that there were several major state-of-the-art technology challenges which NASA took on in order to make the space shuttle system happen. These technology developments were key to achieving the space shuttle system that has flown so many unique space missions over the last two and one half decades, many of which no other vehicle can fly, such as satellite repair/retrieval, large cargo return to Earth and space station assembly .

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