They, our masters, could create the legal environment in outer space that would allow private ownership and private development of space resources. Until then, the anti-gov forces who don't want NASA to get a dime sound just like those whining 'poor people' who couldn't get their govcheck cashed so they could get out of Houston.
For those who want private industry in outer space, remember that FedGov is now able to create corporations. Can you imagine Amtrak trying to mine the asteroids? Yet, nobody can compete with Amtrak. NASA go private? Be careful what you wish for.
I found out about the KIWI and its descendants shortly after I reinvented the concept in high school chemistry class.
IIRC, it had a thrust to mass ratio of more than double that of the best MODERN chemical rocket.
true?