" Duffy said the team from SpaceX went to Virginia to “get a firsthand look at the current system, learn what air traffic controllers like and dislike about their current tools, and envision how we can make a new, better, modern and safer system.”"
I don't understand how anyone can be reasonably against this? They are not going to just overhaul everything overnight, they are going to upgrade the system based on ATC feedback.
We clearly have very different definitions of corruption. Actual aeronautics engineers with hands-on expertise offering advice on how to modernize air safety systems does not fall within my definition of corruption.
That technical nitpick aside, this is a classic business move whereby a preferred and privileged private operator gets exclusive ground floor access to get in on a leech like remora attachment to a spigot of public funds for decades.
That's the corruption part, not the touchy feely first phase "just some experts having a look".
I agree, SpaceX has 13,000 genius staff working in the aerospace industry, I'm pretty sure they can add some value to an aging ATC system.
The system is largely developed by Lockheed, Raytheon and Thales (all defense contractors). If there's a legal issue with SpaceX doing this I'm sure you'll hear about it.
>What guarantees that Musk's team is the best to do this on-time, on-budget, and on-spec?
SpaceX has been a government contractor for years, consistently delivering innovative solutions, reducing costs, and achieving milestones that traditional aerospace companies struggled with.
Biden alone assigned 4 national security contract to Space X during his term, a notable one being NSSL.
> SpaceX has been a government contractor for years, consistently delivering innovative solutions, reducing costs, and achieving milestones that traditional aerospace companies struggled with.
Cool. What about that says they'll have expertise in clearing up issues with ATC?
Was a call for proposals even made? Were requirements even defined?
> They are just visiting the ATCSCC for a tour nothing more. Musk said they are available to help.
"Boeing takes a tour of Air Force base, nothing more. Ortberg said they are available to help."
Doesn't sound good, does it? Sounds like a contractor walking around looking for a way to get taxpayer funds, instead of meeting an actual, stated need.
And since Congress has decided it doesn't need to do its job, that contractor very well might get taxpayer funds. Lots of them.
The most serious problem is that Elon Musk is the 2nd most powerful person in the federal government, and seems to be giving cabinet officials direct orders, yet he has not divested himself of his SpaceX shares.
I don't understand how anyone can reasonably pretend this is okay. Elon Musk + the birthright citizenship order + Eric Adams means Donald Trump is by far the most corrupt president in American history.
I don't understand how anyone can be reasonably against this? They are not going to just overhaul everything overnight, they are going to upgrade the system based on ATC feedback.