Musk And Government Spending
Part One
Spending on the Space Program
The United States government continues to allocate substantial funds to space programs annually. In fiscal year 2024, NASA received about $25.4 billion. This is a small slice of the federal budget, but it is still a large amount of money by itself. NASA’s budget pays for Mars missions, the Artemis program to return to the Moon, the James Webb Space Telescope, and other science projects. The money supports research, contracts, and operations.
The Department of Defense also spends on space. In 2024, the U.S. Space Force received about $30 billion. This money funds the development of satellites, missile warning systems, space tracking, and space defense tools. Space Force funding does not overlap with NASA. Together, the government spent over $55 billion in 2024 on space-related programs, including both military and civilian initiatives.
Elon Musk’s company SpaceX is one of the largest private contractors for space services. SpaceX is not funded like a government agency. It wins contracts and gets paid when it launches satellites, sends cargo to the International Space Station, or builds new rockets. Since 2008, NASA has paid SpaceX over $4 billion for cargo and crew flights. By 2024, NASA's total payments to SpaceX had surpassed $6 billion. These funds cover both completed work and future missions under the Commercial Crew Program and the Artemis Moon Lander Program.
The Pentagon also pays SpaceX. In 2023, the U.S. Space Force signed a contract worth $1.4 billion for military satellite launches. The Department of Defense has also contracted SpaceX for Starlink satellite services. In 2024, the Pentagon signed agreements to purchase secure Starlink services for Ukraine and other partners. The Pentagon has spent over $500 million to date on these services.
SpaceX also earns from commercial clients. But when it comes to U.S. taxpayer money, most of Elon Musk’s income comes from NASA and the Defense Department. Among all contracts, Musk’s companies are expected to have earned over $10 billion from U.S. government sources by 2024. SpaceX is now a key partner in U.S. space operations.
The United States spends a significant amount on space exploration. Elon Musk earns a steady share through contracts. The money is not a gift. SpaceX gets paid for services. Still, Musk’s company is positioned as a central launch and transport provider. NASA and the Pentagon both depend on his rockets. Elon Musk’s personal wealth has grown significantly due to his success at SpaceX, Tesla, and other ventures. His government contracts have helped build his power and influence over American space goals.
