Great story, thanks Gunter!

Most amazing of all is the comparison of the costs to Gov vs private sector space travel.   And yet, many still look to gov for solutions to problems, largely caused by gov in the first place. Kinda makes my head hurt.

I recall hearing of a guy in the space program suggesting reusable boosters.   He was shot down because the company would make far less money.  Typical thinking with gov contracts.  They don't bother checking on things like that.  Why bother?   They can always raise taxes and/or print more money.

Good point Tim!