would probably be better and cost less to just pay space X to do it

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.

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.

It's always been that way. Go pick up a copy of Lost Moon (Lovell) or Never Panic Early (Haise) and you'll see all sorts of aerospace companies (many names now history due to mergers and acquisitions over the years) that were central in producing the machinery used in the space programs.

and the FO still has to do the walk-around

Yup. As a kid I had a collection of Grumman model aircraft, and one of them was the lunar lander.

That old saying about “never meet your heroes” rings true.

Great book I stumbled on about the space race in the 1960’s:

“Dark Side of the Moon: The Magnificent Madness of the American Lunar Quest” - Gerard J. Degroot.

I still love the space race and the accomplishments, but this book does a great job popping some of the myths and sheds light on the enormous amounts of waste that went down.

“There are no bucks without Buck Rogers” - a common phrase at the time that cynically acknowledged the whole space race was enthusiastically embraced by the public because they were sold impossible narratives (space colonies, alien life, et al).

It was embraced by corporations and politicians because it increased opportunities for power and profits.

Artemis doesn’t benefit from this narrative, which is why so few care about it. Manned space exploration is insanely expensive and stupendously impractical.

Very cool though. I’d like to see a launch before it gets shut down when the national credit card gets taken away.

Well part 3 happens in one year. Moon Base in progress.

Mr. President, we cannot allow a moon base gap!

There are benefits to establishing humanity off this planet.

It's also worth a shot to see what kind of economy can be established on other planets and/or in deep space... if it takes off, there are vast resources to be had.

I'd rather spend my taxes on that than on most of the other things they blow it on.