[lmr]

Privatization is fine. If someone wants to keep into the business of launching space missions and they think they can make money, then fine with me. However, I think you are misguided in completely privatizing NASA. The space program (rightfully) is part of the military-industrial complex that is the USA. It has brought us new technologies that have changed our lives over the years, and it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for us to have a space program for future military reasons. Whoever controls space in the future will control the earth. I think it is absolutely necessary that we stay on the cutting edge, so the Chinese or worse don't end up owning the heavens, IMHO.

[samtheman]

Space-based Missle Defense was never invisioned to be part of a manned space program. We can have Ballistic Missle Defence --- controlled and operated in orbit --- without the participation of astronauts.

Military surveillance satellites do not depend on a manned space program. We can, should and will continue to send ever more sophisticated military lookdown technology into orbit --- without any dependence on the state of shuttle or ISS missions.

There may be an argument for continuing with the ISS program on its own merits, but it has nothing to do with the absolute necessity of the US military to keep the orbital high-ground under our control.

The trend in military aviation is, in fact, AWAY from human pilots, not towards an increased dependence on them. What the Predator can do at low altitudes, an army of high-tech/high-orbit satellites can do in space --- all without the need for human pilots.

These are two completely separate issues. They are completely independent of one another.