Barriers to free enterprise in the high frontier

--- jdr7181@... wrote:
> In the case of NASA, I have little faith in their ability to get the
> job done. I don't have the answers either. But considering that
> they wasted 5 years of research and billions of dollars to develop
> the X-33 RLV, only to scratch the whole show, doesn't exactly inspire
> confidence. Clearly, the government will probably lead the way
> because they have the resources to throw at the problem, but they
> certainly aren't the most efficient or effective. That could lead to
> serious problems when you consider the time frame. For example,
> there's no way significantly lower launch costs AND having some
> infrastructure in LEO will be achieved before, say, 10 years (and
> that's generous). 10 (more?) years of inefficiency and
> ineffectiveness could result in scratching the whole thing.

The original X-programs (the X-33 wasn't run like the original ones) were run
very efficently and often exceeded what they originally intended. This does
prove that government can do such things we just need to get some government to
do it (as long as they don't restrict access to much I don't care which one).

It doesn't matter if the first spacecraft the new X program makes can't reach
oribt as long as something is learnt from it. Then more can be made eventually
getting one that can reach orbit and come back. After that it wouldn't take
long for private enterprise to develop something that is actually useful as the
ground work would have been done and the idea proven.

> I don't disagree, but relying on the "government" to do it just
> scares the hell out of me.

Private enterprise would have a hard time. Those companies that are trying to
do it don't have the money and those that have the money wont look at it
because they have to wait more then 3 FY to get a return on it.