In article ,
Tom Merkle wrote:
If this turns out the way the Army hopes, maybe DARPA will start
offering prizes for other things...like space access?

DARPA apparently *is* interested in the idea of prizes for other things,
assuming this one works out.

It may be awkward for them to offer prizes for accomplishments that are
likely to take several years, however, because Congress is reluctant to
make funding commitments that are binding on future Congresses*, and a
prize that doesn't have a firm funding commitment will be less appealing.

(* I'm told that, contrary to popular belief, it *can* be done. But it
is not something that Congress does frequently or happily.)
--
MOST launched 30 June; first light, 29 July; 5arcsec | Henry Spencer
pointing, 10 Sept; first science, early Oct; all well. |