NASA Spends $1 Billion For a Launch Tower That leans, May Only be Used Once

[Selva + 252]

Vice president Pence is visiting Kennedy Space Center in Florida where NASA is spending billions of dollars to build ground systems for the launch of the Space launch System rocket. He might be lucky to see the "mobile launcher" structure which supports the testing and servicing of the massive SLS rocket, as well as moving it to the launch pad and providing a platform from which it'll launch. This expensive tower is interesting because it is leaning and bending to the north but NASA isn't worried about this because the lean isn't sufficient enough to require corrective actions!? 

[Adam Varga + 123]

Of course they are not worried now, because they are already planning to build another one and of course they will again seek and get additional funding for that. Or they will just use this one for the maiden flight of the SLS rocket in 2020 and than be cast away. Can't decide what option of these two is worst. 

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

Or bigger waste of resources. 

[Adam Varga + 123]

The build of the news mobile launcher would cost additional $300 million. It seems like NASA is in a vicious circle of constant spending. 

[Selva + 252]

So this tower needs 2 years to be built, 8 years to be modified, just one launch and $1 billion for all these three actions. Wonder how much would they pay to design the Falcon Heavy?

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

Now Elon Musk doesn't even have to bother to look like a rocket master. 

[Petar + 76]

Tower to no where....

[Pavel + 384]

NASA wasted too much money again! Fire your cost estimators!

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

After that first launch they could use it as a tourist attraction. "Come and see the eight world's miracle" . At least they would get some wasted money back from tickets.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

Time to rethink how NASA fulfills its mission. In the 10 years it's taken to build this launch tower, the private sector has re-invented the launch industry - and flown their new rockets.

[franco + 96]

I think we are too much critical about NASA. NASA develops and launches tons of satelites, interplanetary probes, space tech, designs materials and systems for civilian and military aircraft, provides real time weather data and analysis to the entire planet etc.. So, don't forget that..

[Petar + 76]

I don't think how is NASA problem. Problem is wrong politics.

[Pavel + 384]

In the time it’s taken to build this launch tower, NASA went from blowing up rockets on the launchpad to landing a man on the moon in the ‘60s. Could they repeat that feat today? If not, why? What’s changed to prevent that pace of progress and success today?

[Petar + 76]

As I told, because politicians... Now you have situation with drastically reduced federal spending for NASA?