[Esel Mann]

Yes, private companies will and do have the drive and do have the know-how. The problem is the government has a stranglehold on space with respect to permissions, rules, regulations, laws, etc. As a result, space development by a private entity is a very, very, very expensive proposition.

The need for, desire, and financial gain with respect to space development are all there. The government has had decades to refine space development and yet we have minimal to show for it. What is the old saying? Never send a boy to do a mans job. The government needs to step aside and let private interests do what the government obviously cannot or will not do.

If you really want to see space development, and I'm talking a short timeframe here, as in less than a decade, contact your representatives. Get them to ditch NASA and pass legislation opening up the governmental stranglehold on space.