Just a thought,
If Shuttle operations end prior to 2010 and the proposed commercial delivery
of cargo to ISS doesn't transpire - what happens to MPLM. Indeed even if all
goes to plan aren't there agreements in place that gives italy time on the
station in exchange for the MPLM - what happens then?
A possible solution is to develop a reentry cradle for the MPLM so that it
can be launch on an expendable rocket. (I'm thinking a T/Space/Kistler type
Corona style reentry system).

Now that would be a very handy system and would allow the deletion of
several shuttle launches whilst fulfilling international agreements.

Nathan