By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President-elect Trump and Elon Musk’s plans threaten to transform NASA into a subcontractor for SpaceX, potentially creating a monopoly and stifling innovation. This proposal ignores SpaceX’s lagging development of lunar landers and untested technology, raising serious concerns about its readiness for complex missions. Congress can intervene by legally protecting NASA’s Space Launch System, mandating multi-company contracts for space services, and shielding the agency from potentially biased “government efficiency” efforts. These actions are crucial to preserving NASA’s independence and ensuring robust competition in the commercial space industry.
Read the original article here
Don’t let Trump and Musk gut NASA. The very idea of funneling even more public money into SpaceX, a private company owned by Elon Musk, while simultaneously undermining NASA’s capabilities is deeply troubling. This isn’t just about the impact on federal workers; it represents a blatant redirection of taxpayer money into the pockets of a single corporation. It’s a textbook case of either state-sponsored corporatism or outright kleptocracy, depending on your perspective – neither of which are compatible with a functioning democracy. The potential loss of scientific progress, especially concerning vital research like climate change, is a significant threat to the future. The implications extend far beyond NASA itself; the precedent set would be disastrous for public institutions everywhere.
Don’t let the focus be solely on the immediate impact. The long-term ramifications are equally alarming. The suggestion that NASA’s scientific knowledge and research are being effectively sold to SpaceX, a for-profit entity, is nothing short of corruption. Every dollar diverted to SpaceX should be going directly to NASA. It is a parasitic relationship that leaves taxpayers paying twice for the same services – once in taxes and again when SpaceX sells them back as a commercial venture. We are being systematically robbed, and this has to stop.
Don’t let us fall victim to apathy and defeatism. Many comments express frustration and resignation over the election results and the seemingly unstoppable march toward privatization. But this isn’t the time to give up. We need to fight like hell to preserve NASA’s independence and integrity. The argument that “elections have consequences” is valid, but it doesn’t absolve us from responsibility. While the situation looks dire, silence and acceptance only embolden those who are working to dismantle our public institutions. The claim that NASA is inefficient and behind SpaceX in terms of cost is true, however, this should not lead to privatization, as that would sacrifice public interests and taxpayer money. Instead, we need to work for genuine reform within NASA to improve its efficiency, not dismantle it entirely.
Don’t let the argument for cost-effectiveness blind us to the bigger picture. SpaceX may have lower launch costs, but the value of NASA’s broader research and development far outweighs this narrow metric. We are not just talking about rockets and space travel. NASA’s work contributes to countless advancements in technology, medicine, and other fields that benefit society as a whole. The transfer of NASA’s expertise to a private company for profit is a short-sighted gain that leaves a void in the public good, potentially stifling innovation and progress for generations to come. The argument that NASA is outdated and that SpaceX represents “true innovation” is a misleading and deceptive statement used to justify this dangerous and harmful trend. Taxpayer money should not be lining the pockets of wealthy corporations but should be used to develop the scientific knowledge which helps all of humanity.
Don’t forget the strategic implications. The loss of NASA’s independence weakens our nation’s position in the global space race and could have devastating military consequences. The fact that Musk has previously acted in ways detrimental to US national security, like reportedly turning off satellites during military operations, should be a major cause for alarm. It’s a gross dereliction of duty for officials to allow this kind of conflict of interest to continue. This is not simply about budgetary issues. It’s about safeguarding our national interests and our future as a global leader in space exploration and technological advancement.
Don’t underestimate the power of collective action. Even if the outcome seems predetermined, vocal opposition is crucial. Speak out, write to your representatives, and make your voice heard. Even if the current political climate seems hopeless, persistent advocacy can sway the tide, especially when fueled by concerns from the populace as a whole. It is a collective responsibility to protect public institutions. The defeatist attitude that suggests nothing can be done only empowers those attempting to dismantle our institutions, and it is vital to combat this dangerous way of thinking. The future of NASA, and indeed the future of American scientific leadership, depends on our collective resolve to fight for what we believe in.