Elon Musk’s SpaceX did in 6 years and for less than $1 billion, what the U.S. government commission concluded 11 years ago would take 12 years and $26 billion

On August 2, two American astronauts return to Earth. Their launch was the first from the US in 10 years. Elon Musk SpaceX did in 6 years and for less than $1 billion, what the U.S. government commission concluded 11 years ago would take 12 years and cost $26 billion.

SpaceX was able to able to achieve this feat because government was not in charge. Eleven years ago, An Obama administration committee concluded that launching such a vehicle would take 12 years and cost $36 billion. But SpaceX rocket finished in half that time — for less than $1 billion (1/36th the predicted cost).

Aerospace engineer Robert Zubrin explains that it was because it was built by Elon Musk’s private company, Space X. He does things faster and cheaper because he spends his own money. “This is the potential of free enterprise!” explains Zubrin.

You may be wondering, but NASA did manage to send astronauts to the moon. Yes, that succeeded, says Zubrin, “because it was purpose-driven. (America) wanted to astonish the world what free people could do.” But in the 50 years since then, as transportation improved and computers got smaller and cheaper, NASA made little progress.

In a message on Twitter, Libertarian John Stossell said this: “2 Americans just landed safely after spending 2 months in space. 11 years ago, an Obama committee concluded that would take 12 years and cost $26 billion. Elon Musk did it in 6 years– for less than $1 billion. Private competition is always better. #SplashDown #LaunchAmerica.”

Below is an eye-opening video from John Stossel explaining the reasons for SpaceX success.

https://www.facebook.com/JohnStossel/videos/3345287712189756/