I first started working on the idea of private space flight in the early 70s, and it's been a long, hard slog. If you can think up a private space company anytime during the 80s or 90s, odds are good I was involved in it in some way.

I think it's finally starting to come together, and for a change, along a number of different fronts instead of just one or two companies.

It's more complicated than just government vs. private, and always has been. Government programs have created immensely expensive one-off projects that burn money, not make it.

But on the other hand, most private rocket companies are, if not actually taking government contracts in addition to private investment, building their own tech on a foundation of decades of government rocket research. Not sure where you'd draw a solid line any more.

Still, the private companies are currently accomplishing more for less money, both in transportation and orbital facilities. Obviously the actual results aren't in yet, but I have a more positive view of their chances than I've had for a long time.