As soon as it seemed that Elon Musk was getting back to himself, there is a report brewing that SpaceX warns investors that Musk could return to US politics.
Recall he floated a trial balloon of an independent party a few weeks ago shortly after his public feud with Pres. Trump online. Rather than let things die down and run his businesses (he is reported to be 24/7 at Tesla now), he tells investors it may not be over.
Of course, Musk and his companies (both Tesla and SpaceX) benefit from the government. Trump is getting rid of the incentives for electric cars. As far as SpaceX:
1. Government Contracts
NASA: SpaceX has received billions in contracts for cargo and crew transportation to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Commercial Crew and Commercial Resupply Services programs.
Department of Defense (DoD): Awarded national security launch contracts via the U.S. Space Force and Air Force, including missions for GPS, spy satellites, and missile warning systems.
2. Federal Funding and Grants
NASA Seed Funding: In the early 2000s, NASA awarded SpaceX significant seed funding under the COTS (Commercial Orbital Transportation Services) program, helping it develop the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft.
FAA Launch Support: SpaceX has benefited from public investments in launch infrastructure at spaceports like Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg.
3. Starlink and Rural Internet Subsidies
SpaceX’s Starlink broadband service has received subsidy awards from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), although some were later reversed.
Starlink also secures international government contracts for internet services in remote or conflict-affected areas.
4. Tax Credits and Local Incentives
State and local governments have offered tax breaks and incentives for building and expanding SpaceX facilities in Texas, California, and Florida.
Maybe being in control of the purse strings - even if cutting costs elsewhere - is not a bad idea.
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