I think that we need a new benchmark for this failed Democrat Congress. They need to get their microphones working, or we should set a timetable to pull the pork out of their districts.
A Visit To Ramadi
By Michael Totten. Lots of interesting stories, if you want to find out what’s really going on there:
“We found tons of weapons and IEDs. Just as we were finishing up some of the military dogs refused to sit on the flour bags. We opened up the bags and it felt like soap. We tested it. We didn
A Tale Of Two Heinlein Characters
Over at The Space Review today.
Looks Like It’s Official
NASA is cutting off funding to RpK. It was inevitable, as long as they continued to miss their financing milestone.
The question now is–what will they do with the money? Personally, I’d like to see t/Space get a shot. Full disclosure, though–that’s partly out of self interest. If they do, I’ll likely get some contract work from them.
It’s actually kind of complicated, because it’s not clear how NASA will make the decision. Will they have to redo the competition? It’s been over a year since the original awards, and presumably the competitors could argue that a lot has changed. On the other hand, perhaps NASA could just ask for a new Best and Final Offer from the contestants.
[Afternoon update]
Clark Lindsey notes that it’s not quite a done deal. He also notes the chicken-and-egg nature of the problem (just like that of the launch-cost problem in general):
I’ve been told that the issue that kept coming up during RpK discussions with potential investors was the lack of a firm commitment by NASA to a contract for launches to the ISS if the demo was successful.
Self-fulfilling prophecy.
And that’s the problem with any kind of government prize or guaranteed market. The government is fickle. In addition, in this case, the market wasn’t even guaranteed. A COTS participant has to make the numbers close on their business plan without NASA to raise the money, and that’s still a tough proposition, in terms of investor perception. RpK had a bigger problem than SpaceX (and t/Space) because their concept needs so much money.
Looks Like It’s Official
NASA is cutting off funding to RpK. It was inevitable, as long as they continued to miss their financing milestone.
The question now is–what will they do with the money? Personally, I’d like to see t/Space get a shot. Full disclosure, though–that’s partly out of self interest. If they do, I’ll likely get some contract work from them.
It’s actually kind of complicated, because it’s not clear how NASA will make the decision. Will they have to redo the competition? It’s been over a year since the original awards, and presumably the competitors could argue that a lot has changed. On the other hand, perhaps NASA could just ask for a new Best and Final Offer from the contestants.
[Afternoon update]
Clark Lindsey notes that it’s not quite a done deal. He also notes the chicken-and-egg nature of the problem (just like that of the launch-cost problem in general):
I’ve been told that the issue that kept coming up during RpK discussions with potential investors was the lack of a firm commitment by NASA to a contract for launches to the ISS if the demo was successful.
Self-fulfilling prophecy.
And that’s the problem with any kind of government prize or guaranteed market. The government is fickle. In addition, in this case, the market wasn’t even guaranteed. A COTS participant has to make the numbers close on their business plan without NASA to raise the money, and that’s still a tough proposition, in terms of investor perception. RpK had a bigger problem than SpaceX (and t/Space) because their concept needs so much money.
Looks Like It’s Official
NASA is cutting off funding to RpK. It was inevitable, as long as they continued to miss their financing milestone.
The question now is–what will they do with the money? Personally, I’d like to see t/Space get a shot. Full disclosure, though–that’s partly out of self interest. If they do, I’ll likely get some contract work from them.
It’s actually kind of complicated, because it’s not clear how NASA will make the decision. Will they have to redo the competition? It’s been over a year since the original awards, and presumably the competitors could argue that a lot has changed. On the other hand, perhaps NASA could just ask for a new Best and Final Offer from the contestants.
[Afternoon update]
Clark Lindsey notes that it’s not quite a done deal. He also notes the chicken-and-egg nature of the problem (just like that of the launch-cost problem in general):
I’ve been told that the issue that kept coming up during RpK discussions with potential investors was the lack of a firm commitment by NASA to a contract for launches to the ISS if the demo was successful.
Self-fulfilling prophecy.
And that’s the problem with any kind of government prize or guaranteed market. The government is fickle. In addition, in this case, the market wasn’t even guaranteed. A COTS participant has to make the numbers close on their business plan without NASA to raise the money, and that’s still a tough proposition, in terms of investor perception. RpK had a bigger problem than SpaceX (and t/Space) because their concept needs so much money.
An Open Singularity
Some interesting thoughts from the Singularity Summit this past weekend.
Speaking of which, Phil Bowermaster was in attendance, and blogging about it. Just keep scrolling.
A Light Through The Clouds
Maybe this year won’t be a total disaster for (southeast) Michigan football. The Lions are leading the Raiders at the half, ten zip.
Moving From Windows To Linux?
NASA Slogan Update
Remember Loretta’s attempt to come up with a better slogan for the federal space agency? Well, I didn’t get much response, but Wired got quite a bit. Unfortunately, it’s pretty underwhelming, at least so far.
Is it really up to me? Do I have to unleash my fingers of satire?
C’mon, people.
“We’ll support jobs in Houston. The rest of you will go to the stars.”