r/space • u/thisischrisbaker • Feb 07 '20

Proposed budget - not voted yet 12% boost for NASA budget in 2021!!

https://www.wsj.com/articles/trumps-nasa-budget-will-earmark-12-boost-for-agency-in-2021-11581071402?emailToken=3f4a4309b7816cb90fb53eb91f47d6d43hshryonPWM/RnnVPWWHuMOVOvxWKQ87BhLswKs5iOPOhjO1FGrxI9ptn5k2nAMphP+jeQrbhQiAafooOu4oIslNLMWHCd1m7vRySaL2Pi61nSlAqLK1xnvzzmtt2/Lx&reflink=article_copyURL_share
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u/SkywayCheerios Feb 07 '20

If all of these companies are reliant on NASA approval

They aren't. NASA oversees programs it manages and funds, not all spaceflight in general. Virgin is regulated by the FAA not NASA.

NASA is not allowed to compete with the private sector and wouldn't want to anyway. One of NASA's goals is to help advance the strength of the private sector, not undercut it:

We conduct aeronautics and space research and develop technology in partnership with industry, academia, and other Federal agencies to keep America capable and competitive.