How on Earth did I manage to miss this story?! [Space.com] [BBC News] NASA is proposing an orbital space plane for "at least 4" astronauts, with relatively little cargo space. They'd use it as a ferry to and from the ISS. They're aiming for a smaller craft than the 6 or 7 passengers of the cancelled X-38 Crew Return Vehicle. I totally think using a small passenger vehicle and a separate expendable cargo-only vehicle is the way to go.