I agree that the market made it cheaper and more accessible, largely through mass production and a refining of the technology over time.. but it did sound like you were saying we don't need govt research cause private companies could in theory do that research instead (without taking on a govt contract or subsidies). It's a common sort of libertarian talking point. The problem is that they don't do so largely because the incentive structure wouldn't be there.
E.g. space x would never have existed if NASA didn't pave the way and create the necessary infrastructure through expensive, immediately non-profitable research.
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