We can compare apples to apples, though. Again, this isn't about defunding NASA, it's about maximizing return on expenditures. NASA doesn't have to stop doing science or exploration to take advantage of commercially developed launch vehicles. Indeed, by making such a switch it would free up money for NASA to spend even more on doing those things.
If NASA were spending $5 billion a year on developing its own automobiles when they could just buy cars from Toyota or Ford the decision would be a no brainer.
If NASA were spending $5 billion a year on developing its own automobiles when they could just buy cars from Toyota or Ford the decision would be a no brainer.
True, if Toyota exists to supply those automobiles. Not, if NASA is the first one to make a automobile.
Remember NASA was the first to make many things which are not available off the shelf.
If NASA were spending $5 billion a year on developing its own automobiles when they could just buy cars from Toyota or Ford the decision would be a no brainer.