Comment Funding is a pain (Score 2) 131
X-33, like all space projects cannot express its potential benefit for the average dependent in a 60-second sound bite. If it weren't for the fact that these programs are spread out among so many influential congressmen's districts, they wouldn't be funded at all. Spending money on anything other than welfare or programs with a me-right-now benefit for the voters doesn't have a chance.
The fact that it could lead to a place for their great-great...grandkids to live other than on a burned-out, over-crowded planet means nothing. It doesn't put money in their pocket now, that's all that matters. What they don't realize is that we are where we are today because of advances made in the space program of the 60's. Computers, plastics and myriad other things we have benefited enormously from that program.
The money spent today on the space program primarily benefits specific people in specific congressional districts. I don't see how we can get back to the way things were in the 60's space program in today's culture. Advances will almost certainly have to come from the private sector. I still have a certain amount of respect for NASA, but as the saying goes, "lead, follow or get the hell out of the way." If they aren't allowed to lead us into space then they should get out of the way of private industry.
The fact that it could lead to a place for their great-great...grandkids to live other than on a burned-out, over-crowded planet means nothing. It doesn't put money in their pocket now, that's all that matters. What they don't realize is that we are where we are today because of advances made in the space program of the 60's. Computers, plastics and myriad other things we have benefited enormously from that program.
The money spent today on the space program primarily benefits specific people in specific congressional districts. I don't see how we can get back to the way things were in the 60's space program in today's culture. Advances will almost certainly have to come from the private sector. I still have a certain amount of respect for NASA, but as the saying goes, "lead, follow or get the hell out of the way." If they aren't allowed to lead us into space then they should get out of the way of private industry.
