Shuttle RTF costs mount

16 July 2004: Return-to-flight costs soar, Houston Chronicle

“The cost of returning NASA’s three space shuttles to flight could reach $1.2 billion, more than double the January estimate, space agency officials said Friday.”

16 July 2004: Shuttles’ upgrade bill leaps by 50%, Orlando Sentinel

“Lawmakers praised NASA for coming forward to disclose the higher costs, and vowed to make sure the agency has enough money to fly safely. But NASA’s history of red ink also means Congress will carefully scrutinize the numbers.”