In defense of government space agencies, Nasa operates on a wholly different regulatory framework[0] They can't do as they please on hiring, subcontracting, su

In defense of government space agencies, Nasa operates on a wholly different regulatory framework[0] They can't do as they please on hiring, subcontracting, suppliers because that money has oversight from treasury and congress. It's taxpayer money. Its like working with one hand tied behind your back. Not to mention that if a political mandate comes through, and it says stop all work on the space shuttle, no matter what progress you've made or what new materials are coming out or whether computer simulations are an order of magnitude better - you have to stop. SpaceX is merely a launch alternative. The shuttle program has already paid its dues and paved the road. [0](https://www.nasa.gov/emd/policy-regulations-and-guidance https://www.nasa.gov/emd/policy-regulations-and-guidance)