While we applaud the work that has been accomplished by the private spaceflight industry, such programs are focused exclusively on developing systems for access to low Earth orbit following the 2011 retirement of the Space Shuttle.

WSJ: NASA's SLS Is a Key to Deep Space �� Letters to the Editor

Private industry should take over routine spaceflight activities, with NASA as a customer.

CNN: Space is still the new frontier

Nasa is attempting to offload routine human spaceflight operations in low-Earth orbit to commercial industry in a way similar to how some large organisations contract out their IT or payroll.

BBC: Nasa chief hails new era in space

The FAA's role in suborbital spaceflight safety was a key sticking point: Under the terms of the legislation, the FAA would regulate the industry over the next eight years primarily to protect the uninvolved public and the public interest.

MSN: Private-spaceflight bill signed into law