Ronald Reagan in Space

President Reagan built up the defense industry.  We need another President like him who will build up the space capabilities of the nation.  We need a Reagan in Space.

Or a Kennedy will do just nicely, thank you very much.

It would be desirable to bring back the VentureStar SSTO program provided that a deal with the Brits on the SABRE engine can be arranged.  Put this new engine on the the new version of the X-33 and try it out.  It would be like Reagan bringing back the B1 Bomber.

The EU doesn't want to spring for the cash for the airframe of the Skylon.  Here's a chance for Uncle Sam to get in on the action.  The airframe for the X-33 could be restarted and then mated with the new engine once it became available.  Older engines will test the airframe at first as originally planned.

I figure that if enough mass can be saved on the X-33, they could make it a small 2 man craft that could get to orbit.  About 5k pounds will do the trick, I'd say.

Reagan won the Cold War.  Kennedy won the Space Race.  Perhaps we can conquer space in the next 10 years with a fully reusable single stage to orbit vehicle with a fast turnaround.

The X-33 program only cost a billion.  Bringing it back won't bust the budget, but it would require a bit more money for NASA.