So, this is really exciting for a large list of reasons. First, we have someone who has the infrastructure that is outside of a government organization that is capable of accomplishing something like this. Unlike previous NASA manned space missions, SpaceX does not have to deal with funding linked to politics. No one can look at this and say "I don't want my tax dollars funding this foolish escapade" because none of their money is involved. This is a very large advantage that SpaceX has. Second, they have already demonstrated re-usability that pushes them further ahead of the curve regarding the R&D necessary to make this a reality. This is one of the more challenging concepts that needed to be taken care of first. Finally, this will spur competition. A few weeks ago, Blue Origin revealed their reusable space craft, the New Glenn, which seeks to enter the already crowded Aerospace Industry in regards to the delivery of payloads. I am hopeful this competition between non-government agencies/companies will expedite the process.
With all of this in mind, it is also very important to have realistic standards in regards to this project. Recent setbacks with SpaceX illustrate that this is very difficult. Imagine that if instead of a Amos satellite there were 100 people on board. These risks need to be evaluated and tested. In short, SpaceX is going to fail tests, lose rockets and, possibly, lose lives in this endeavor. That needs to be okay. If we had cancelled the Apollo program after the disaster of Apollo 1, we would have never made it to the moon. These risks are inevitable but absolutely necessary in order for us to make progress. I hope that the public maintains that courage as we move forward because this is an opportunity. I am hopeful.
)
