Originally Posted by
tdracer
My oh my, is it ever easy and simple to play to the grandstand during a Congressional Committee hearing.
FAA AST is following the law and established policy. There is much merit in the recognition that currently applicable launch licensing processes need an overhaul. But deviating from established rules and policy isn't the answer.
As for the new Moon race, with all the hardware development hurdles yet to be surmounted, it's almost laughable to blame FAA AST's adherence to established law and policy for anticipatory worries that the PRC will get there first. Or first the second time around.