Originally Posted by
MELedMel
It feels like with space X this is nasa trying to stay relevant. Didn’t we basically already do this same mission like half a century ago?
That's an aspect of it.
But the business model has evolved to prioritize commercial for routine ops (hence ISS shuttle van), while leaving NASA to do the cutting-edge exploration.
Bearing in mind that when NASA does it, they still contract out most of the hardware, they're just more involved in development.
It is possible that commercial operators will ultimately play a leading roll in even cutting edge exploration.
Originally Posted by
MELedMel
would probably be better and cost less to just pay space X to do it
Political realities, lot of associated jobs (both .gov and private sector) in various states. Writing one big check to one big company would probably not spread the bacon well enough.