I’ve long thought that the only way we’ll ever get back to Luna to stay or go on to colonize Mars is via private company hardware and work. Here, a SpaceX crew readies the second-stage engine of their Falcon 9 rocket for a successful Jan. 2 test at their MacGregor facility up the road from Austin. The Falcon 9 was expected to fly last fall, lofting the company’s Dragon spacecraft to a rendezvous with the International Space Station. But it’s now expected to begin this spring. The liquid-fueled Falcon 9 and Dragon will replace NASA’s retiring space shuttle.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 
Yep. Proves Heinlein’s point on private endeavor.
A private company would stay focused on the goal, to avoid going under financially. NASA is always looking over its shoulder to see what the pols will do next.
Have you read, “The man who sold the Moon”?
Good story. We need a DD Harriman.
There has to be money to be made in outer space. And not just tourist money, science money.