I think these guys are getting government contracts. At least some of them are, perhaps Virgin isn’t.
To be honest with you, this is what I would have hoped for, developing a robust private sector industry seeded with government funds in part until some money is being made.
What gripes me, is that this trend took place on Obama’s watch, so that you have to suspect everything.
If it had happened on a more business friendly president’s watch, we could have had more confidence in the overall effort, or at least the background support from the government end.
I think space is worth it too. As a species it is up to us to determine if our seed will spread across space, or be extinguished here.
I believe we should be in the business of colonizing space.
It seems like a dead end at times, but we learn something new when we have to tackle new objectives. We’ll develop new drives and the fundamental of extended space travel by taking these baby steps.
It is crucial for mankind. It is crucial that we be at the forefront of it. I can’t imagine a sound future with China or Russia leading the way on these matters.
We have given other nations 45 years to catch up. Good grief are our leaders dumb.
If it’s worth doing, the private sector will get it done without government support. At least that’s the Party Line.