Look, we “slipped behind” while GOVERNMENT was in charge of space. Now, we have a chance to rapidly surpass the Chicoms and others. Government, even in space, NEVER keeps you in the lead.
What is happening is the purposeful destruction of U.S. space capability. Private companies cannot fill the gap, cannot take the hit from accidents or protect claims in space against other government backed space programs.
I accept that we see this differently.