> Wireless, you've just made Mike's point for him again, but you still don't see it.

Maybe I am using a different reference!?

> NASA's huge budget is part of the problem. Giant beaurocracies are historically
> inefficient.

Yes, I agree with that, {u] but this does not mean that a "small budget" is the answer! [/u] Please, give me a break, for crying out loud!!!

> Branson is an impressive entreprenuer/adventurist,

So what!? That still does not prove that he will be able to succeed in space just because he has been successful with certain businesses here on Earth!!!

It is simply ridiculous for you to tell me that somehow Branson has a fool proof business model for space commercialization! So far all that I've read and heard is that he wants to start some tourism in space to satisfy the ego of a few rich people!!!

What I have been saying here is that he would be immediately grounded on his first failure...The problem is the socio-economic system and you also simply cannot see it!!!

> but the true genuis behind Space Ship One is someone else - it's the model for success
> that is exciting, not $$$ thrown at an agency.

Hey, I never suggested here that throwing $$$$$ at a problem will solve it! What I am saying here is a much deeper issue of realism vs. idealism and how to go about executing any idea...

I read about "Space Ship One", but for you to speculate here also that this new technology is ready for prime time is ridiculous at best!!!

> Small time individual risk takers rule the earth - and make life better for all
> of us in the process.

Of course, I would never dispute that! But, these "pioneers" will remain pioneers. As a matter of fact, one of the big problems in today's debt based socio-economic system is that these pioneers are no longer truly supported and are immediately expected to make a "profit" for people like Branson and other business speculators...

Look, Peski, I am only calling a spade a spade and my points are very clear. I am not speculating about space commercialization like Mike is trying to do!!!

Another point, many, many times a simpler life style is better in terms of both mental and physical health. Nowadays many people get caught on a rat race with false expectations and to me space exploration fits in this category...

+wirelessguru1