On Sat, 30 May 2020 16:05:35 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:



...was spectacular.

This "new" era of the USA's space program is
mind-boggling for those of us who remember
Alan Shepard's first suborbital flight
in "Freedom 7" 59 years ago.

Even more unique is that America's private
industry has taken over the role of designing
and building this next generation spacecraft.

Still blows my mind that they can land the
first stage back on a small, floating barge
to be re-used.

Congrats to SpaceX, NASA and to Elon Musk,
a true technical visionary.

Should also mention that there are at least
three other private companies developing
spacecraft and rockets for future use.

Thirty years ago who would believe
1. The Russians would be our only way into low earth orbit.

2. Some guy from South Africa would become a multi billionaire from
the internet.

3. That guy would build the rocket NASA couldn't come up with.

4. A record store guy would make space a tourist destination.

Maybe the days of big government doing anything are over. They are
just accounts receivable for technology companies.