/sci/ - Science & Math

>SN9 crumbles, SpaceX goes bankrupt after Musk bets his entire fortune on something called "harambecoin" and loses it
>SLS explodes, finally cancelled in March
>...
>America needs a proven launch vehicle...
>Something TRIED and TESTED...
>Something to RESTORE THE SOUL OF THE NATION...
>President Biden makes the call
>fast forward a year
>you're at Kennedy Space Center, eagerly awaiting the launch
>the announcer's voice grows louder
>"T-Minus 10..."
>"9..."
>"8..."
>"7..."
>"6..."
>"MAIN ENGINE START"
>sparks fly out, a cloud of steam rapidly expands as those tried and true engines roar to life once more
>"2..."
>"1..."
>"BOOSTER IGNITION"
>"Liftoff! We have a liftoff! Space Shuttle Atlantis once more climbs to the skies, carrying the first of many modules to facilitate America's return to the Moon!"
>A single tear runs down your cheek
>The soul of the nation has been restored.

>the year is 2022
>President Biden cancelled the SLS after taking office, citing its high costs.
>Instead, it is replaced with tried and trusted launch technology.
>You're in Cape Canaveral
>"5"
>"4"
>"3"
>"MAIN ENGINE START"
>"1"
>"BOOSTER IGNITION"
>"Liftoff of STS-136! America welcomes the return to flight of the Space Shuttle as the orbiter Atlantis climbs higher towards the stars!"
>yfw your childhood dream comes true