Fly me to the moon

Is the space program being privatized?

A new rocket designed by a company that wants to offer low-cost space launches was poised to make its maiden flight Saturday.

If the launch is successful, the Falcon 1 will become the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit.

Ironically the first payload for this private rocket will be on a government contract.

The rocket's payload is a satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force Academy. FalconSat-2 will measure space plasma phenomena, which can impair space-based communications.

I wonder how many of tax dollars that cost? Money that will aid research and development for a private company instead for the whole of the country.