XPost: sci.space.policy   
   From: joe@strout.net   
      
   In article <88d21cfd.0401250949.5ee27086@posting.google.com>,   
    edkyle99@hotmail.com (ed kyle) wrote:   
      
   > The problem with this is that Proton has been the driver   
   > of launch cost reduction in recent years.  With it out   
   > of the picture, launch prices would rise from current   
   > levels.  Since U.S. companies seem incapable of competing   
   > in the commercial launch world market, Arianespace would   
   > then, by default, get to decide how much NASA would have   
   > to pay to launch each lunar mission.   
      
   So you don't believe SpaceX will be able to deliver at their quoted   
   prices ($6M for Falcon I, $12M for Falcon V)?   
      
   Also, I notice you didn't mention SeaLaunch -- I haven't looked at the   
   numbers recently, but AIUI they're fairly cheap and can launch into   
   pretty much any orbit you want.   
      
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