[bvw]

I wonder if the luddite who wrote this has a cellphone, uses GPS technology, or listens to sirius radio.

We didn't need NASA to launch satellites, but the every existence of NASA, as THE CIVILIAN MASTER of space, did preempt most private endeavors that would utilize the rocket, satellite and related technology that we needed and developed for military uses. That is to say, we didn't need a NASA to get to GPS or Sirius

I have NO IDEA where you get the idea that NASA was helpful or needed for cellphones. That would be laid to ham radio, packet radio, and the venture stage of MCI using truck delivery packet radio for general telephony.

[a fool in paradise]

Did you plan to use Sputnik for all of your satellite needs?