NASA is supposed to build machines that launch into space,not structures that stay grounded on Earth

[joshcryer]

4. Too much of it is subsidizing military stuff though.

For instance, the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters allowed the corporation making solid rocket boosters for military use 'cheaper.' Granted, it's more an accounting thing in reality, but if NASA wasn't subsidizing military launchers, then their real cost would be realized in the accounting.

This is why I am for privatizing space launches and getting rid of "cost plus" contracting (ie, the government pays regardless of success and deliverable). Note: space launch is already privatized, it is just getting rid of the cruft I am advocating.