Rand Simberg of the Weekly Standard reported on crony capitalism that is "undermining the space program." In the post he explains how Orrin Hatch and other Senators have supported wasteful, unnecessary space programs to benefit corporations in their respective states. Here's an excerpt:
...the Space Launch System (SLS), is based on hardware derived from the now-obsolete Space Shuttle program. It is expected to have a minimum of $18 billion in development costs with a first flight six years from now. However, based on history, most expect that schedule to slip and the price tag to increase far above that by the time it is operational over a decade from now. NASA already acknowledges that it will only fly once every year or two, which means that each flight will cost billions.
The Space Launch System is supported...by...Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, for whom the project promises jobs...[at]...solid motor manufacturer ATK in Utah.
The Space Launch System is supported...by...Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, for whom the project promises jobs...[at]...solid motor manufacturer ATK in Utah.
