Technology In Reverse

The space shuttle fleet is scheduled to be retired later this year.  There is no re-usable manned spacecraft ready to replace it.  This is not the first time a craft that was on the bleeding edge of technology has been retired without any successor.  This was the case with the concorde supersonic transport and the SR-71 blackbird.  The concorde was the only airliner to fly at supersonic speed.  There is currently no airliner doing this.  The SR-71 holds basically every airspeed record on earth. 

Were these expensive projects?  Hell yes.  Should there be replacements?  That's debatable I suppose.  Satellites have pretty much taken care of the need for the SR-71.  The concorde was too expensive to operate, but by now you would think they could make something more affordable.  Wouldn't you like to travel to Europe in only 3 hours?  The capabilities of the space shuttle are necessary just to maintain the space station.  What's the plan for that?

Your medical technology in reverse...

"It says on your chart that you're fucked up. Ah, you talk like a fag, and your shit's all retarded.  Don't worry, scrote. There are plenty of 'tards out there living really kick-ass lives. My first wife was 'tarded. She's a pilot now."