>My own feeling is that the space program should be largely privatized.

The news at one point was interviewing someone. When he was asked if he would go back up if offered, he answered he would, but it would be better to send up someone like Bill Gates or another businessman. Someone who would be able to say "I have an idea for a business based on this" and who would have the resources to make it happen.

I definitely agree with this feeling. Imagine if someone with Bill Gate's resources (putting aside any anti-MS feelings for the second ;-) ) were to get excited about business in space.

Very interesting coincidence: NASA's 2004 Fiscal Year budget is going to be previewed this Monday. I wonder if this will spur Congress to give NASA some more money so they don't have to pinch pennies as much. (Granted, they shouldn't be allowed to run wild with cash, but there's got to be a good middle ground.)