"Rand Simberg" wrote in message
...
I think that it would actually behoove launch companies to build test
flights into their business plan, instead of alway expecting the
government to pay for them. If they don't have a design that allows
an affordable flight-test phase, then they probably don't have a
design that will significantly reduce launch costs.

The industry practice seems to be one of offering first flight to a
commercial customer for a very reduced price. This has been true of Atlas
II, IIAS, III & V, Delta III & IV. The last time the government paid for a
first flight may have been the first Titan IV launch back in '89.

-Kim-