Thank you Cincinatus, for illustrating a very important concept with respect to the phrase: “The problem with thinking outside the box is, you forget what is inside the box”. The news inside, or “focus” if you will, is inside the box with respect to this discussion; in an attempt to meander towards next steps, “Getting Serious” about space.
The corrective purpose of your “news”, has a sent of bitter satire in it. If true, sorry that my short treatise has caused some kind of negative reaction in you. If false, can assure you that current “commercial applications” are understood.
Yes, we have communication, surveillance & to a very limited extent, manufacturing in zero-G commercial applications. We begin the concept of teachable innovation, by the questions we ask, rather those that have been answered. Will leave that concept for your off-line contemplation.
Also, please, be assured magic has absolutely nothing to do with science & engineering. Some would assert, things not understood are “magical”. One ignorant of truth, in and of itself may use that concept as a crutch. There is a better way.
Suppose seeing long boats for the first time, hundreds of years ago, may be thought of as “magical”. Those seeing long boats for the first time, may have used canoes and understood the concept of water travel; so they may have been in awe & possibly able to glean some purpose of long ships. But, had virtually no idea as to the exact technology of actually building one.
Please allow the concept of progress, entering into discussion. You may be surprised of your own growth.
Since the late 60’s, NASA has been wrestling with the concept of “paying for itself” and came to the realization that based on current technology, it had its limitations towards that goal. You could build Earth observing technology that would monitor weather, land characteristics, identify natural resources, etc... But no individual could afford this capability.
Yes, taxing spreads out the cost so that individuals or organizations can exploit valuable information. So maximizing tax resources should be of concern. Attempting this noble effort is “taxed” itself, by those who decide what intermediate goals are necessary. Remember, failures and successes both come at a cost. And much is learned by failure. Understanding our planet was the justification regardless of cost. But we sometimes benefit from success. We all benefit from more accurate weather forecasting, identification of natural resources, and instantaneous communications, etc...
Problems pertaining an evolving progression towards continued commercialization of “space”, goes beyond simple Earth related ingress & egress, off the planet. Like those who saw long boats for the first time, had little idea of global commerce. Those long boat explorers did. We as “spectators” into emerging technological advancements are not unlike those observing long boats for the first time. Propulsion advancements such as “ion drive” are small steps towards chemical propulsion alternatives. And can assure you, this is not magical.
If we limit our horizons with Earth related excursions, we are not unlike those who observed long boats for the first time, just familiar with canoe trips between islands for commerce.
This is my opinion, and not of NASA.
I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about. The only "ion drive" I am familiar with is solar electric, which has been around for years -- high Isp with continuous, low thrust. That won't hack it for getting stuff from Earth into low Earth orbit.