Scaled may not be the next to launch, but don't underestimate the dark horse.
> I worked on SS1 and I have a pretty good idea of what Burt's position is and some of the flaws therein
Nice. I'm jealous. Also, I don't think Burt is the be-all end-all, but I do believe he rightly points out how NASA has gotten into a rut.
> At this point in time NASA is still necessary in a few areas, those including access to government facilities (ala use of Edwards AFB restricted airspace), a political interface, and the fact that they still have some very smart people working for them. They are coming around, but it's still too early to determine whether the management is convinced of allowing greater private control. The latest "contest" programs are just a beginning.
Glad to hear things are changing. Like I've said, I don't believe in counting NASA out, only that they desperately need to shake off a plodding "stay the course" kind of thinking.
It doesn't help that govt. control makes idiots feel like they can criticize every mishap on the grounds that every mission needs to be completely safe. Reduce risk, yeah, but do these pinheads know that no science is 100% in the early days? Sheesh.