So we're back in space, or at least high Earth orbit, and I for one am delighted. NASA had come under relentless media and government scrutiny after the tragic debacles of Challenger and Columbia, and there has been a growing sentiment among Americans that our space program should be abandoned. NASA's safety record was perceived to be particularly suspect, but James Oberg, a long-time NASA analyst, posts a brief and revealing report that says the decision to launch even if the sensor glitch were to recur is actually an example of how much NASA's safety culture has improved.

Meanwhile, just last Friday, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (383 - 15) to endorse a bill that would get us back on the Moon and ultimately to Mars.

As I said, I'm delighted.