That is just atrocious. Thinking that commercial sources will take up the slack is just this side of fantasy. Space-X is the only commercial viable system that I have read about, as Scaled Composites designs are all sub-orbital. Orbital is having problems, and someone in Obama's administration wants to man-rate Atlas and Delta IV! I don't see that happening due to the acceleration of both systems.
Let's face it, we are among a dwindling minority. No one wants to go anymore, nor do they want to use any tax dollars to do it. Corporate backed systems are non-existent and will remain that way for at least a generation or two.
I seriously do not see Constellation continuing, Obama wants his Cash 4 Clunkers, and universal healthcare plans too bad. For those living in other countries, it will soon be up to you to continue space exploration. The US is fast becoming the Portugal of the Space Age. Portugal began the exploration of the Western Hemisphere, but due to internal turmoil, lost their position of preeminence in colonizing it.
Now 510+ years later, the United States is giving up the lead. If we wont head it, I hope Europe does. Japan is my second choice, I really don't want to see China be the leaders of the 21st century of space exploration.
But I fear they will be.
