How The U.S. Became So Dependent On SpaceX

SpaceX has grown from a small startup founded by Elon Musk in 2002 to one of the world’s most valuable private firms. But this may have not been possible without numerous government contracts along the way, to the tune of $22 billion according to SpaceX. Over the years, the U.S. government has also become dependent on SpaceX for access to space. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket are the primary means by which NASA launches astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. The company’s Starlink satellites have become indispensable for providing internet access to remote areas as well as to U.S. allies during wartime. The company’s Starship rocket, though still in testing, is also key to the U.S. plan to return to the moon. SpaceX is also building a network of spy satellites for the U.S. government called Starshield under a $1.8 billion contract. Even competitors including Amazon and OneWeb have launched their satellites on SpaceX rockets.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
2:10 - Early days
6:07 - Market dominance
10:07 - Leveling the playing field

Produced by: Magdalena Petrova
Edited by: Nic Golden Henry
Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt
Animation: Jason Reginato, Emily Park
Additional Footage: Getty Images, NASA
Additional Sources: The Atlantic

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Why SpaceX Became Crucial To The U.S. Space Program

Post from CNBC on August 24, 2025

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