Lockheed, Orbital and now Boeing are funded by NASA to develop technology that competes with Rotary and our colleagues in the emerging launch business. The perception of many potential investors is that government is really a competitor, not a possible partner. Where we have failed to meet our goals is not in technology but in financing. This ensures competition among at least five companies developing new launch systems. Several private RLVs serving multiple markets will be less expensive to the Nation than another massive national spaceship program.
Diversity is good.
Dan Goldin and his commercialization team have shown great willingness to use the tools at NASA s disposal to assist in leveling that playing field. You need to give them all possible support towards using NASA facilities and personnel to aid the emerging launch industry. Some of the NASA troops in the ranks have yet to get the message. We must insure that the progress continues, and that RLVs, especially during flight test programs, be treated no differently than experimental aircraft. Finally, the current export control apparatus threatens to cripple the RLV industry before it even begins.