Yeah, I think "over built" would be a more applicable critique, if you're trying to find one.

Those are some very substantial looking instrument panels.

I like my spacecraft overbuilt, you insensitive clod ;-)

The Soviet shuttle had some definite advantages over the American design. It had no engines of its own, it could carry a larger payload. Another nice touch was that it could be mounted on top of the booster instead of its side, preventing Columbia-like accidents. And it was fully automated - the only time it flew, was unmanned.

Truly a great piece of equipment. Very impressive.

This was perhaps the most amazing feat for me, too (esp for it's time)

Exactly. Every picture of space shuttle control panels "look" old, but are (most likely) state of the art technology. It must be the beige toned cases that immediately make us think "rickety looking". They are created to work, by NASA... not make by Apple, in order to look sharp.

Actually, the computers used for mission-critical systems are very old. Generally to keep the electronics big enough that an alpha particle hitting the box does not give off enough energy to flip a bit and corrupt the program.

Like the iBridge on the new USS Enterprise ;-)

At least Russian space-flight only requires guts, American space-flight also requires a good life insurance.

Love the leather seats!