this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2025
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[–] LWD@lemm.ee 29 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)
[–] sp3ctr4l@lemmy.dbzer0.com 17 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/musk-government-contracts-spacex-tesla-taxes-b2703141.html

In total, $20.7 billion pleged/paid to SpaceX since 2008, $8.7 billion actually paid as of a few months ago, $3.4 awarded/pledged in just 2024.

Its funny, I remember being raised conservative and being taught that no one spends money as wisely as someone spending their own money.

Welp, thats out the fucking window for all subcontractors, as well as... just give poor/homeless/rent overburdened people money, and they'll help themselves far more efficiently than a giant bureacracy will.

[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 12 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I mean, yes. The advantage of fixed priced contracts over traditional cost plus contracts is that instead of Boeing twiddling their thumbs for three years wasting time trying to figure out why their original design is shit and having the government pay for it, space x is just out a rocket. Government gives 0 shits. I wonder if there penalties built in if it’s behind schedule

[–] captainastronaut@seattlelunarsociety.org 18 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

With a functioning federal government I would agree with you. But unfortunately they have an open checkbook right now, with no accountability or critical oversight.

[–] cole@lemdro.id -5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (3 children)

I hate to be this guy, but this is just... not true. That's not how this works at all. How is the government giving SpaceX money outside of a contract? They aren't.

Everyone wants to find a reason to hate SpaceX because Musk, but the truth is SpaceX is a well-ran innovative company.

[–] LWD@lemm.ee 10 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I hate to be this guy

Then don't be. I'm not sure why you feel the need to glaze the world's richest political agent, unless...

Are you a SpaceX employee? You've said this in the past.

Most people at SpaceX genuinely love the mission and will work longer hours because it's almost a passion.

We're pretty well-compensated too.

[–] cole@lemdro.id -1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 8 points 2 weeks ago

Besides the federal government trying to strong arm governments into purchasing star link?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/07/elon-musk-starlink-trump-tariffs/

[–] LWD@lemm.ee 7 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)
[–] cole@lemdro.id 6 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

This is not evidence to the contrary, especially when the company is intentionally trying to find the limits on a development article.

Falcon 9 (the only rocket they actually sell launches on) is one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world.

[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I mean you’re right in a sense, but usually when I iterate on a design it gets better not worse.

[–] cole@lemdro.id 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I think it's not fair to say that iteration doesn't ever include any steps back. Development isn't always straightforward and it doesn't always go perfectly.

[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 weeks ago

Well, I did say usually. Regressions happen. I’m just being sarcastic because I don’t like Nazi-owned enterprises. /me shrugs

[–] LWD@lemm.ee 0 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)
[–] tekato@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)
[–] LWD@lemm.ee 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

deleted by creator

[–] Miaou@jlai.lu 1 points 2 weeks ago

Are the cars shitty, or are they ranked 3rd?

[–] cole@lemdro.id 1 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

repeating the same thing does not make your point stronger

[–] LWD@lemm.ee -1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

deleted by creator

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 weeks ago

Their unmanned test rocket just blew up. Boo hoo