I'm a strong supporter of NASA but I also believe it's time to let private companies take charge in manned space flight. NASA is fine in supporting R&D budgets for new vehicles and support craft. But let private companies handle the service side of things. From sending supplies to the ISS to expeditions to the lunar surface. I see it this way. The Air force doesn't build it's own jets. It has defense contracts with private companies that design and build the aircraft that the Air force needs that meet their requirements. Why can't we do the same thing with NASA? Let NASA provide the funds, and let private companies design and build spacecraft to meet those needs.

The Army doesn't drill it's own oil or process it's own fuel. Private companies do that, and they ship it as well, let NASA do the same. Lets chance the law and open up space to American businesses. Let private companies build their own space stations or go into Co-ops with universities. Can anyone say MIT Orbital Research Station? Lets take everything NASA has learned over the years and really make the push.

@ Lizon: Reminds me of the old saying: "Remember, your equipment is being made by the lowest bidder" or words to that effect.

What's there to rape other than fine dust?

Could use some water in my part of Australia, can we get a long flexible pipe to that place?

Pirates. . . from SPACE!

"When i think of private contractors i can't help myself but to think of 'space pirates' right after it...."

hahaha