So a three time shuttle cmdr can't UNDERSTAND the difference in cots capabilities ( NOT FLYING) & Space shuttle capabilities!

Four key points
1. Cots vehicles not operational ( a long way too go--- look at previous manned ratings operations)
2. No USA manned operations since 2011, a long break--- much expertise gone
3. Jobs--- compare cots to shuttle ops--- Big difference tens of thousands
4. Overall capability--- no comparison. Note : USA needs shuttle like capability!
Cots not sufficient for usa --- commercial can't provide it-- Gov. Operation required!

Below is a part of Bolden recent ( 1/14/16) statement re cots--- spaceref


A New Milestone

Despite critics who may have said this was a pipe dream just five short years ago, we continue to transform the way NASA does business and as a result, today we're able to mark another significant milestone that will carry President Obama's vision further into the future.

This afternoon, our ISS team in Houston will announce that NASA is making its new award for commercial space cargo delivery to the ISS.

This is a big deal, because our commercial resupply missions enable NASA and our private industry and other government agency partners to continue the extensive, ongoing scientific research aboard the Space Station.

President Obama extended the life of the International Space Station through at least 2024 (with the support of Congress), and our commercial cargo providers ensure cargo resupply missions continue, enabling us to keep using the station as our springboard to the rest of the solar system and a test bed for human health in space. Today's selection builds on our initial resupply partnerships. It will ensure that NASA maintains the capability and flexibility to operate the ISS and conduct the vital research of a unique National Lab through resupply services launching from the United States.

As President Obama said, "in fulfilling this task, we will not only extend humanity's reach in space -- we will strengthen America's leadership here on Earth." Our investment in commercial space is creating jobs, and it's bringing us closer to sending American astronauts to Mars. Competition, innovation and technology – it's the American way. It's helping us to Launch America.


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