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NASA Holds Competition to Develop Space Vehicles
BlueCup writes to tell us that the US space agency is holding a competition to develop space vehicles NASA doesn't have the time or resources to develop. The winning companies will get $500 million and NASA will merely lease them as the need arises. From the article: "NASA hopes the private-sector vehicles can bridge an expected gap between when the space shuttle fleet is grounded in 2010 and the crew exploration vehicle is flying in 2014. A thriving commercial space transportation industry also can offer researchers, and others, opportunities to send payloads into space without relying on NASA's crowded space shuttle schedule or worrying 'that the government will decide next month or next year not to launch,' Griffin said."
You're not far off. Helium is a limited natural resource that we will run out of in the not too far future. I agree about private enterprise but as I said in previous post I don't see that as being allowed by any major government. Private enterprise is best able to start and promote exploitation of resources outside of LEO if they are allowed the opportunity and they see it as a long term profit. Maybe Buffet and the Gates' will see it as a goal...
I reserve the right to think for myself. Others' opinions are optional. Puppy on lap = typos...not illiteracy.
I know this will get me modded down. But, frankly, NASA already *IS* ancient history.
-Eric
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.