Cape Canaveral, Fla. - Mercury astronaut John Glenn wants NASA's space shuttles to keep flying until a reliable replacement is ready, no matter how long it takes. Glenn joined the national debate Monday over America's future in space and became the latest ex-astronaut to speak out. He issued a nine-page statement in which he questioned the decision to retire the shuttle fleet and rely on Russia to take astronauts to the International Space Station. Glenn said he's against paying the Russians $55.8 million per person to fly U.S. astronauts roundtrip. "Going to Russia and being, in effect, under control of Russia for our space program just doesn't sit right with me, and I don't think it sits well with the American people, or won't, either," he said. Glenn said little if any money will be saved by canceling the program, considering the millions of dollars going to Russia for rocket rides.

— Associated Press