SpaceX VS NASA: Is that even a fair question?!?!

One of the questions I get asked most often is “who do you like better NASA or SpaceX”

Who do I like BETTER?!?! WHAT?! Is that even a fair question! It’s almost like saying, who do you like better, the Chicago Bulls or the NBA or perhaps Manchester United or FIFA?

Well, it’s not QUITE that simple… but hold on...

In this day and age of extreme SpaceX fandom, of which I’m 100% not guilty of, it’s important we reflect on the relationship SpaceX has with NASA, how they collaborate, how they differ and why NASA’s future role in space exploration is as important now as ever.

And although I don’t think it’s fair to compare a government agency to a private company in general, there is one thing we’ll be comparing in my next video… and that’s their rockets…

So, NASA vs SpaceX. FIGHT! Or, hug... I don’t know which yet so let’s get started!

[jacklilegostudios]

“Space is not an I’M thing, it’s an OUR thing”

*SOVIET UNION ANTHEM IN THE BACKGROUND*

[tuomassimula]

"Space is the one border us humans share. As soon as we get off this planet it's no longer this neighborhood versus that neighborhood, this city versus that city, this state versus that state or this country versus that country. No. It's humans versus the Universe."
I really like that. I will definitely use this quote.

[heathert.]

SpaceX innovates like they’re playing KSP. Also, this video was amazing, and I LOVED your conclusion!!

[frasercain]

So glad you took this topic on Tim, I've been giving an ad hoc answer in my Q&A shows, but I think you really put the comprehensive case here. Humans VS the Universe. I don't like the Universe's odds. :-)

[ptomicek]

Basically, NASA should be less concerned with how to get somewhere and more about what to do when they get there. Focus budget on exploration rather than launch and propulsion, leave that to private sector.

[danieljensen]

SLS vs. BFR is the only argument in NASA vs. SpaceX that makes any sense.

[aarong.]

I just wanted to make a comment about your NASA mission statement. I think most people forget NASA is also a leader in the development of flight. They have had a part in the development of planes such as the F 22 and F/A 18. We need to realize NASA advances flight and space and the research done their affects everything from the memery foam in your bed to the cameras in your smartphone. SpaceX is not at all like NASA, and we should treat it that way. SpaceX is cool and I realize that but NASA does the research that enables SpaceX to do what they do. But anyway Great Video!

[dummyjoe]

You should do SpaceX VS ULA or other launch providers

[alexandrearrive]

Yes! Finally! Real information, not just internet fan dom! Thanks Tim !

[passthebutterrobot]

Stick to what you're best at. While NASA handles the science, Space-X can be taking care of the engineering & the appliance of the science. I'm not saying NASA are bad at engineering, they're not, but there's too much inertia & bureaucracy in the system for them to do it as effectively as Musk does.

[joe_mckirdy]

Everyday Astronaut, you're technically wrong with saying that NASA promised SpaceX 1.6b"before SpaceX had flown their falcon 9 once. They promised 1.6b for completion of milestones. If Spacex hadn't met those milestones, they would not have gotten the money. Similar to Rocketplane Kisler who failed to meet their milestonesr. This also introduces a new contract style. In addition to fixed contract and cost plus contracts, there is are milestone based contracts like COTS and Commercial Crew.

[PaulEIvory]

0:38 The cat thinks you're crazy.

[mollymarsgal]

Love your videos, keep em coming! You are such a great presenter!

[INeedMoreSpace]

Great perspective on this Tim. I love you analogy of the team vs league mentality. What a great perspective shifter! Keep up the great work. - TJ

[TommoCarroll]

This video is great! A lot of people innocently ask us the same question - and we always have to say they're both great and their relationship is a great thing moving forward! Thanks for elucidating it with your growing (Congrats!) following!

[thermalcows]

I was concerned by the title, but good explanation and good job dismissing all the misconception :)

[chanwinnie]

1920:we will have fling skyscrapers in the future




1960:yay, we have fling skyscrapers!

[lewismassie]

I think it's nice that between you, Curious Elephant and Fraser Cain I get the whole picture, not just from one perspective

[lancehightower]

I believe that it is a valid statement to say that I like what SpaceX is doing, advancing reusability, lowering prices and mastering new technologies, along with how they handle construction and contracts, better than NASAs equivalence.

[gkarapeev]

Hey man I just want to say I appreciate that you remain genuine even when it comes down to little details like the titles of your videos. I think a selfish, clickbaity youtuber who values views over being genuine wouldn't have included the second part of the title. There is a bunch of people who just put a title that will get clicks and then go on to unfold a video for which there is obviously a much more suitable title. As always, thanks for the fun and informative videos!