I would not consider a small research spiral on par with the $200K Space Florida grant. Or even very good news IMO. It would be in the category of a small encouragement to me. I have been looking for indications of BiB progress in research funding. But, the demo itself, with all its details, indicates to me that we won't see a research spiral before a BiB sale IMO. In my world, that would mean that BiB is moving fast. I am not supposed to be analyzing the Dec 19 demo in public but I will say, IMO, to interpret it as bad news would be doubly wrong.
But don't miss this--Glenn has only one way forward with SH's in the short run IMO--sell a BiB. There are actually multiple ways forward but that seems to be absorbing the bulk of his efforts and the attention of posters here IMO. But I would say the next three milestones are:
1. Tactical LTA sales
2. Double GTC 2011 revenues
3. 2013 airship revenues
All of those are doable in 2013 IMO. Now, will the team do it? Warm regards, IJO.