Governments 'too inefficient' for future Moon landings

Re:Governments 'too inefficient' for future Moon landings by trustfundbaby on Friday December 07, 2012 @11:57AM (#4887829)

I've always felt that government running things like space exploration was a bit odd . I think that government funded (all or in part) private enterprise is the way to go, it worked for Columbus and other early adventurers right?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Governments 'too inefficient' for future Moon landings by Avshalom on Friday December 07, 2012 @01:16PM (#4888293)

Well the reality is pretty much that anyway. It's not like NASA actually owns the rocket factories. NASA provides the direction, man power during the missions and cuts the checks but it's private* industry that does most of the R&D and construction.

*well technically private but it varies from companies that exist purely on government contracts to companies like TI and boeing.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Governments 'too inefficient' for future Moon landings by dockd on Friday December 07, 2012 @03:05PM (#4888973)

When government does that, people say it should have no place in "picking winners". Is there really a way for governments to provide money to private enterprise without picking winners?

[ Parent | on HN ]