[kuma]

I was watching this on the news and they were saying that it would be better to open NASA up to private business. Any thoughts?

[bonesmccoy]

Here's my idea:

1. Unmanned LEO launches to be deferred to private launch vehicles.
2. Manned LEO launches to be divided into two phases:
a. Phase out of STS-orbiter operations
b. Phase in of HL-10 like crewed reusable vehicle ops
3. Privatize STS heavy lift launch operations
4. Privatize part of ISS ops (permit SpaceHab expansion)
5. NASA to only be working on deep space manned ops (GEO and cis-lunar space)
6. USAF to develop polar orbital platforms for Ballistic Missile Defense

[RightWhale]

NASA conducts operations and manages projects. Much of their actual construction work is already farmed out on contract.