[dougmwne]

It’s funny how well that fits in with cultural stereotypes. The US had an insane culture of self promotion and salesmanship. Europe has a culture of intense elitism. ESA designed an excellent satellite that focused on the “right” goals, and promptly forgot the dirty peasants whose money they were really spending.

[ekianjo]

Its more private companies vs public agencies. Compare SpaceX to NASA and you will see the exact same thing.

[belter]

SpaceX is, primarily, a government contractor: $15.3 billion in awarded contracts since 2003, according to US government records.