Or more generally: what happens with all the technical documentation,
blueprints, designs, rationales, etc after a system/program is retired at
NASA?
Would it be possible for (say) a commercial/private entity to take the
space shuttle design data, improve on the design, and put it into service
again for profit? If not, why?
Is it better to just let that knowledge sit in a vault somewhere to never
be used again?
Since NASA is publicly funded, one could argue that the results from that
funding should be accessible in some way. Even if not directly to the
public at least available for commercial purposes after adequate
screening/verification.
-Anton
PS: It may or may not be possible to turn the space shuttle specifically
into a viable commercial enterprise but it's not extremely important to the
above question. Pick your favourite project that you think can/should be
revived instead.
