Why are we back to dropping our spacecraft

[Xithras]

12. The Orion is a reusable capsule.

Wings provide very little advantage during launch, no advantage whatsoever in space, and only a minor amount of maneuverability during unpowered re-entry. In exchange, they make the spacecraft and launch vehicles an order of magnitude more complex, make the spacecraft less survivable during emergencies, and dramatically increase launch fuel requirements and costs.

The Orion spacecraft is reusable, can stay in space longer, is safer during both launch and re-entry, is better for the environment, is cheaper to use, etc. We can build an entirely new Orion capsule for less money than it cost to refurbish the shuttle between launches. Progress isn't about building bigger ships with more features, it's about building ships that provide the most usability and safety with the smallest amount of resources.

And keep in mind that, aside from the outward shape of the vehicle, the Orion is an entirely new generation of space vehicle. Technology wise, it makes the space shuttle look like a Model T.