The space shuttle has launched for the last time, but that doesn't mean we're done sending folks into space. In fact, one new plan would have astronauts heading up to the ISS in a modified Atlas V rocket.

Currently, the Atlas V is used to deliver payloads such as satellites into space. It's got a near-perfect track record, and it would seem to be well within the realm of possibility to modify it for human transport. Except for the landing back on Earth on a runway thing, which it obviously wouldn't be able to do, as the rockets are designed for one-time uses.

But NASA has signed an agreement with the United Launch Alliance to work on getting the rocket prepped to meet up with the ISS. We'll see!

Physorg via Technabob