The president says instead of racing ahead to the next cutting edge, American scientists are wondering whether they’ll be able to develop any new products at all.

While SpaceShipTwo did not break out of the atmosphere during the test flight, it marks a milestone for Virgin Galactic, which intends to take passengers on suborbital joyrides.

The assessment – combined with Congress’ reluctance to spend new dollars – complicates President Barack Obama’s effort to expand pre-K programs across the country.