[the_real_bto]

Thanks for putting the price tag in perspective.

It's still wrong no matter what the price tag is. It isn't just wrong, it is a symptom of a broken system. It's a very simple and easy to understand example of the brokenness, where as your examples aren't quite as convincing, because they aren't as simple.

The way for NASA to be effective, is to make a plan and follow it. I am very skeptical of your claim that it made sense to complete this project. Would it have made sense at a billion dollar price tag? What about 2 billion? All of your arguments in favor of completion, would still apply. It would still be relatively inexpensive (compared to defense expenditures).

“It’s heartbreaking to know that, you know, you thought you’d done something good,” Forshee said. “And all you’ve done is go around in a damn circle, like a dog chasing his tail.”

^^^ Another strong sign of dysfunction.

I don't expect NASA to be perfect, but it seems as if you are setting a very low bar for NASA.