Private industry would never do a 1960's space programm, would never found a series of high tech observatories or "Hubble" type in-orbit telescopes or do a space shuttle programm. And with the exception of telecommunication satellites I don't think there is anything else that is of interest in the short or mid term for the private industry to pursue in space. Sub-contracting to NASA or other state fund agencies is of course a nice spin off too.
Private industry will be a major part when there is an "economic" reason for going out there. It will probably dominate the second phase of space faring
IF there is a good chance to make a profit out of it. Advancement of science, etc is OK as long as the "bulk" of the investement is done by someone else (usually the state).
Sorry guys the opening phase of space expolration is a national or international thingy. And we still are in this phase.
You will always by proud about America's role in space exploration and science. Always!
(and always is alot of time!
)
Things as the space programm leave deep inprints in a nations culture, history and character. Never underestimate these effects either nationally or internationally!