The fact that almost everything NASA does could be done for far less time and money is a concept I have been trying to sell for most of my life. You think it's hard now--try it back in the 1970s, when the Shuttle was still on the drawing board and promising $50 a pound to orbit. I'd love to scan in the Popular Science article von Braun wrote in July 1970 on the Shuttle--lovingly preserved--if Robert could find a place for it on this board.

I have drawers full of SSTO designs, Big Dumb Boosters, and many other concepts we have pushed over the years, including Roton (which still has potential for small vehicles IMO.)

I am very encouraged by the fact that many companies are now vying for private space, and the chances of a largely-private space infrastructure look better than they have for years. Still hoping to get a piece of the action myself. ;)

I should put in a good word for NASA here. A lot of the technology being adapted for private use in both launch systems and Bigelow's work was first developed with NASA money, although NASA mostly discarded it for more expensive stuff.