So why isn't Widewing on the HTC payroll?

[wooly15]

Satisfaction comes when your hardware performs in the field exactly as intended. For example, we designed and manufacture a cryogenic system and a separate impact sensor for the Standard Missile-3. You probably recall that this was the missile that recently took down that broken spy satellite. It's a hoot when the hardware does something on the cutting edge.

Awesome WW.  I was stationed on the Lake Erie '00-'04 and was part of the crew who did all of the flight test missions for the SM-3. Fun stuff.

[Widewing]

Widewing, that's awesome 

Since you appreciate the QC part of design implementation.. What's your opinion on the chances of new private companies like Bigelow and others to catch up to government space agencies? 

Unlike government agencies, corporations have to answer to stockholders. Thus, waste is minimized. I think that these companies have an excellent chance at competing with NASA within the realm of earth orbiting spacecraft, as long as they place adequate emphasis on flight safety.

My regards,

Widewing