"Me" wrote in message
...
On Nov 12, 10:01 pm, "Jonathan" wrote:

I'm starting to believe transferring the entire manned space program
to the military is the best way to go.



Whose says they can do better? Their management of space systems is
even worse


It just doesn't appear this administration is going to fund two tracks
for replacing the shuttle. Combine that with the rear-ward looking
"Vision" for space exploration returning to Apollo on steroids, and
I think the military has chosen the better long term path. Lower cost
reusable space planes. I wish NASA was running with it, but it appears
the last White House decided to take it out of the political process.
I'm starting to think that might be a good idea. In the black budget
there are few people looking over their shoulder.

NASA needs to stop trying to build the next generation of launchers, and
instead come up with a govt paid cargo that would jump start the commercial
launch industry. Considering how far robotic systems have come, it's becoming
harder to justify a civilian manned program anymore.

This could not only be the cargo that ushers in the commercial space age, but
also just might....Save the World. Unless NASA starts working to regain
public support with a worthy goal, a goal that widely inspires, nothing is
going to change. More half-assed programs from half-assed budgets.

Executive Summary
NASA'S SPACE SOLAR POWER EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
AND TECHNOLOGY (SERT) PROGRAM
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10202&page=1