asni

There are a number of companies producing unfinished lower receivers that are then sold to consumers to complete the machining on. Lowers that are only 80% complete are not classified as “firearms” and thus require no FFL transfer. While a CNC machine is ideal, the kits can be completed using tools as rudimentary as a drill press or a router. Polymer lowers are also available and can be completed using a something as simple as a dremel tool. 80% Glock lowers are also available and are quite popular. Firearms made in this way are perfectly legal though they cannot be sold or transferred as they have no serial number.

While there is certainly value in this, I get the impression nowadays that NASA is doing everything but making meaningful progress in human space flight.

I can't speak to other services, but the Air Force is pushing hard (relatively speaking) into investing in startups. Naturally, since the minds behind this are rather technologically inept the results are mixed. (3d printers and virtual reality for everyone!) but they have implemented some programs to provide funding and contracts for startups that fill a critical role - afwerx being an example. https://www.afwerx.af.mil/