With the favorable publicity of the Mars landing, major contractors say they are counting on President George Bush coming through to reinvigorate the business of space.
The contractors say that not only must there be a clear vision, but there must be some money put behind it.
New investment in the U.S. space program could mean substantial new business for prime contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. And it will also be good news for those small businesses which are subcontractors. A rising tide raises all ships.