Government needs SpaceX to deliver "top secret" satellite

[P@triot]

So much for the left's absurd narrative about government. The private sector does everything better (because government was never designed to produce products and services).

SpaceX launches top-secret spy satellite for US government

 

[Moonglow]

Yeah, that Air Force drone that circled the Earth for almost two years was a washout..

 

[Coyote]

So much for the left's absurd narrative about government. The private sector does everything better (because government was never designed to produce products and services).

SpaceX launches top-secret spy satellite for US government

Not totally...

The government has a role research and development until it's mature enough for private entities to take the risk of entering into it. How long has it taken the private sector? This is the point where the government steps back, which it has because it is now commercially feasible and the private sector can usually do it better.

 

[P@triot]

The government has a role research and development

Nothing could be further from the truth. The government was never designed for "Research and Development". In fact, that's not even legal. Nothing authorizes the government to engage in R&D with tax payer dollars.

 

[Coyote]

The government has a role research and development

Nothing could be further from the truth. The government was never designed for "Research and Development". In fact, that's not even legal. Nothing authorizes the government to engage in R&D with tax payer dollars.

I disagree with that. Years ago I worked for NASA, and the spinoffs from the space technology developed by NASA in conjunction with the private sector was impressive. But that wouldn't have likely happened - at least not at as quick a pace without government support. Space for commercial prospects was (and remains) very expensive and until there is a feasible market for few companies are willing to take those kind of risks outside of a partnership with the government. Why do you suppose there has been no private sector space shuttle or space station yet?

 

[P@triot]

Space for commercial prospects was (and remains) very expensive.

There's a reason for that. There is absolutely no market for it. Almost nobody desire to go to space. Who wants to go somewhere that you literally die instantly upon arrival unless you're wearing a special suit (and god forbid that suit malfunctions). If you take a plane across the country and it breaks down, they put you on another plane to get you to your destination. If you go to space and your shuttle breaks down - you're fucked. You're likely to die unless they can scramble to get another shuttle up there (just the existence of which causes exponential costs). And then - once you get up there - there is literally nothing to do. You float around in emptiness. After about 45 minutes of the view, you'll be ready to return home.

Why do you suppose there has been no private sector space shuttle or space station yet?

See answer above.