To the OP:Then we have more money for food stamps.
And every crew rotation (if we can call it that, since Orion carries just four people against, e.g., Dragon's seven)
Quote from: Proponent on 03/30/2012 08:24 amAnd every crew rotation (if we can call it that, since Orion carries just four people against, e.g., Dragon's seven)Yes, we can call it that. NASA is not responsible for rotating the three Russian crew, only the 3-4 USOS crewmembers.
As both the House and the Senate seem poised to cut CCDev funding, perhaps it is time to consider the worst case scenario. What happens to each of the CCDev partners if all funding for the program is cut this year? Will CCiCap continue as unfunded SAAs? Perhaps a new reduced program with the partners taking a bigger share of the risk?SpaceX has made it clear that they will continue without NASA funding if required.Boeing has said similar things, but not as loudly.Blue Origin didn't need NASA money in the first place.Sierra Nevada seems to be completely dependent on CCDev funds and a cut now will probably put Dream Chaser back into hibernation.Thoughts?
...Then we'll finally get to see how "commercial" commercial really is. Maybe we'll even get to see some of these super hush-hush business plans in action (doubtful).
Quote from: BeanEstimator on 04/02/2012 05:47 pm...Then we'll finally get to see how "commercial" commercial really is. Maybe we'll even get to see some of these super hush-hush business plans in action (doubtful). That comment makes sense only if you completely deny that the government can play any role in stimulating a new industry by providing early demand.
Quote from: Robotbeat on 04/02/2012 06:20 pmQuote from: BeanEstimator on 04/02/2012 05:47 pm...Then we'll finally get to see how "commercial" commercial really is. Maybe we'll even get to see some of these super hush-hush business plans in action (doubtful). That comment makes sense only if you completely deny that the government can play any role in stimulating a new industry by providing early demand.Isn't it the other way around?Would any company bring a "truly commercial" crew system online if NASA abandoned ccdev, but commited to buy flights should they become available?Cheers, Martin
If all funds got cut, I would think Space X would get capital investment funding and keep moving forward. The market is all about either filling a need or making one where there wasn't one before.Currently in the human launch market, there is only one provider. (russia) There was a comment that any company proceeding forward without Gov't funds would be brain dead to pursue this. I say, they would be brain dead if they didn't.If SpaceX, for instance, were to acquire private capital investments, they would be the ONLY private human launch provider in the Market. If they can keep their development costs to the point where they can offer human seating at or just below Russia's current costs, Congress would insist they were used. Frankly, even if they charged a few million more, it would be fine since they would be a domestic launch provider.If NASA insisted on requirements that create an inflated price? Then they will have to pay for it. If they don't like it? They can reduce the requirements and save costs. Their choice.I would also gather that other friendly countries would love to buy their services as well. It's theirs for the taking. Space X has a bundle of ex-NASA and industry experts advising them. Do they really even need NASA funds? Not really, no. If they are wiling to risk, which, I would say they have proven that they are already.A market exists. Space X, even privately funded, can make back investments over time. And if they don't? Well that's part of the free-market as well, right? Capital is put at risk all the time. If funds are taken away? There is a very strong case for why they would and should continue developing commercial crew capabilities. Simply because, in very short order, they would own the market...
Quote from: MP99 on 04/02/2012 06:47 pmQuote from: Robotbeat on 04/02/2012 06:20 pmQuote from: BeanEstimator on 04/02/2012 05:47 pm...Then we'll finally get to see how "commercial" commercial really is. Maybe we'll even get to see some of these super hush-hush business plans in action (doubtful). That comment makes sense only if you completely deny that the government can play any role in stimulating a new industry by providing early demand.Isn't it the other way around?Would any company bring a "truly commercial" crew system online if NASA abandoned ccdev, but commited to buy flights should they become available?Cheers, Martin I was fairly certain my comment would zing.