5 ms·

I think the more reasonable interpretation of the post that you are replying to considers the previous generation that you're discussion "private space explorat

by gpm 3y ago

I think the more reasonable interpretation of the post that you are replying to considers the previous generation that you're discussion "private space exploration with public money" as well. That they want NASA itself to hire the engineers, build and own the technology, rather than contracting/subcontracting it out.

Robotbeat 3y ago
NASA has ALWAYS contracted this stuff out. ALWAYS. Grumman (now Northrop Grumman) made the Apollo lunar lander paid for by public tax dollars.
- moffkalast 3y ago
  That reminds me of that great docudrama From Earth to the Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQeqMaHVYs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQeqMaHVYs
- uoaei 3y ago
  The question isn't who does the work, it's who owns (enjoys financial benefits of?) the result.
  - Robotbeat 3y ago
    Defense contractors?
    - uoaei 3y ago
      Well, that's a problem, considering it's funded with public money. Private entities making money off public initiatives is a big reason why we're having the economic troubles we've been having the past few decades.
      - Robotbeat 3y ago
        When has this ever been different in the history of the US?
        uoaei 3y ago
        Did NASA not own the Saturn V? The Space Shuttles? Did space history begin when Elon Musk launched his first rocket...?
- gpm 3y ago
  I know. The comment that started this chain didn't say "we should do it like we used to", rather it said "we shouldn't do it like this". The fact that that "this" happens to describe how we've always done it doesn't change the meaning of the comment. People are allowed to suggest doing new thing that haven't been done before.