With regard to the NASA space program,a remote camera,the SLA220 
was last used on the  STS87 space flight of 12/97. This is what the public is
told.  Why has it not been used since that time?  The MA255, a single
person  jet pack for movement outside the space craft appears not to
be in use at this time. Why? What is a charing Oblator?

I think I have some hints for the google experts:
* "Remote camera, the SLA220"...: Perhaps you refer to the free flying
AERCam-Sprint?
* "The MA255"...: Perhaps you refer to the Manned Manuevering Unit
(MMU) ?

Since I am not an google expert I leave the 'why's (which is
interesting in the light of the Columbia disaster) to them.

- valhall-ga