What I've heard is that there is no apparent threat to the shuttle being able to successfully return to earth, but that they are suspending future flights until they can solve the problem of materials flaking off and possibly damaging the shuttle.

It is sad that such a marvelous machine has so many problems.

I wonder what will become the next generation of space vehicle?

PF, you're right. So few people have ever been able to go into space ... it's really a wonder that interest has waned ... especially by the media. I noticed when I clicked on looking at the video clip (Thanks, Cheyanne) ... it was prefaced with a WalMart ad.