It would be nice if the private sector were to take a leading role. I haven't stayed current with space exploration -- my horizons are set by electronic warfare and airborne early warning -- but if NASA is attempting to thwart private space exploration and development of orbital access alternatives, it's a monstrous crime and should be held up to the harshest possible light. No one knows enough to say with any justice that "we know exactly how this ought to be done, so the rest of you can just toddle off and leave it to us."
Come to think of it, does anyone ever have enough justification to say that? About anything?
Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit The Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com
I have heard of a California company that is working to be able to place vehicles in low orbit within 10 years. If I come across their name again, I will post it.