Thanks for the ping.
Just another example of the types of thing that are proposed out there that NASA should be taking advantage of. We need to get serious about space travel, and not just for national security reasons. It seems that any proposal that has a chance at allowing access to the solar system and eventually the wider universe should be up for testing. They represent a relatively low government cost high payoff concept. Instead we gave $50 billion to Africa, a prize for most screwed up way to run a continent from what I can tell.
Instead we gave $50 billion to Africa 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.