I really think that when commercial/private space flight takes off (excuse the pun, even though it’s a pretty good one) the higher-ups at NASA will have to rethink how they are doing things. I believe if and when the commercial/private space flight people are showing a great track record, and are successful and reliable, NASA’s will find themselves relegated to being a “support” backup agency for the commercial sector.

One of the things where NASA has missed the opportunity on is taking advantage of the commercial possibilities. If we had a clear vision for space, and a solid “mission plan” I wouldn’t care at all if – on the side of a large heavy-lift booster – it has the Nike “swoosh” logo or one from Apple Computers, Pepsi, etc. (As long as it’s not “Blue Sun). Who cares what Congress says about “we can’t spend money for NASA” when you could have “This Lunar Mission brought to you by Kellogg’s.” But that’s just me.

And sorry I didn’t get a post up in time for CoS on Thursday. I just got back to “internet capability” a few hours ago.