[Crusher138]

Instead, Congress mandated that NASA reuse Shuttle parts, rather than building something new. It would be cheaper, you see ... except that it isn't and no sane person would expect it to be.

The nugget of the problem right there. Additionally there are military projects that were done under "black" budgets that cannot be made public for various reasons that would make this much simpler if that technology could be used. One part of the government isn't even allowed to talk to the other part.

Civilian programs and agencies would be gobsmacked if they knew what their military (and classified contractors) have been up to for the past 40 years or so.

[dragnet2]

Civilian programs and agencies would be gobsmacked if they knew what their military (and classified contractors) have been up to for the past 40 years or so.

Other than wasting money?