NASA is fifty years old today, but it is not a happy anniversary. NASA’s human exploration program is uninspiring, and her next-generation spacecraft is behind schedule already.
America has changed much in the last fifty years, and the high-tech cachet of NASA has passed to dozens of private American companies.
Google, for example, is commemorating the date with a small picture of outer space on its website; that’s more recognition than the government agency will receive from many.
NASA’s early planning accomplishments may have run their course, ill-suited to the tasks ahead.
Meanwhile, private investors like Richard Branson offer new and creative ideas for exploration.
America does not lack for clever people – she sometimes lacks only the free and creative arrangements to unleash their talents.