Yes, because there is a shitload of private developed launchers that can bring cargo into LEO and beyond. Go libertarian!
SpaceX and Orbital immediately come to mind. Not to mention the Atlas rocket family.
Just about every scene in the first three Foundation books is people talking, and that's all it is, and more to the point, that's precisely why it's amazingly good.
I totally agree that Foundation is good for this reason, as well as some of my favorite movies are good for this reason. I always say my favorite movies are the ones where nothing's happening but everyone's talking. However, I feel like I'm in the minority and a true interpretation of Foundation would be boring to the masses. After all, movies are made for the profit not the story.
"History is a tool used by politicians to justify their intentions." -- Ted Koppel