This is really interesting. There was a last ditch, behind the scenes effort to keep operating Endeavor and Atlantis privately as Commercial vehicles. This was to be completely separate from any Gov funding, and they already secured $2B in funding. Unfortunately the deal fell through but the group is looking to develop a Shuttle 2.0 that will duplicate the originals capabilities. (Unfortunately years away). Too bad it didn't go through.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/...orbiters-ends/
"For the past several months, a plan to restart shuttle operations – funded by billions of dollars of secured non-government investment – was under evaluation with NASA and shuttle contractors prior to the secret effort ending last week. However, the group behind the effort have now switched their focus to a “Next Generation, Shuttle Capable” vehicle – with details to be announced next year.
By way of removing one of the major barriers to previous commercial proposals – government funding – members of the new team allied with potential investors both in the United States and in Europe, which proved to be the breakthrough for the new proposal to approach NASA.
“A number of potential investors were contacted, and one of those was Kevin Holleran – a businessman and investor from London, England. Kevin was sufficiently interested to enter into a process of due diligence and eventually decided he would invest in the concept. He then set about identifying individuals and organizations that would be critical to the success of the venture and the building of a credible plan."
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