The space program shouldn't be abandoned but I think the Shuttle has become a dinosaur.

Since its first launch in 1979 it has flown 113 missions using six craft making it the most used spacecraft in history. It has been in almost continuous use for 24 years which would mean, by comparison, that the Apollo craft (which went into service in 1967) would still be running up until 1992 with no view to being phased out.

The shuttle has been successful and has served its purpose primarily as the key builder of the ISS but is now no more than a ferry service to and from the space station and new viable alternatives must be sought to continue space exploration into the 21st century.