While driving to an appointment earlier today, I was listening to CNBC, and they were discussing Trump's statements about the best way of saving federal money being to get rid of EV tax credits and to cancel contracts with Elon (meaning contracts with Space X and Starlink). The commentators noted, however, that cancelling contracts with Space X and Starlink would be much easier said than done.
NASA is heavily reliant on Space X, and has been spending many millions using Space X to transport both astronauts and material to and from the International Space Station. There are few if any commercial competitors for the services Space X provides.
Starlink is even more entrenched. According to the CNBC talking head, the Department of Defense relies HEAVILY on Starlink for its data and communications. There are roughly 7,000 Starlink satellites in orbit right now. Jeff Bezos is getting into the game with his own satellite company, called "Project Kuiper." But Project Kuiper is in its infancy, and has yet to launch its first satellite. Even in the best case (for Bezos) scenario, it will be YEARS before Project Kuiper is a viable competitor to Starlink.
NASA is heavily reliant on Space X, and has been spending many millions using Space X to transport both astronauts and material to and from the International Space Station. There are few if any commercial competitors for the services Space X provides.
Starlink is even more entrenched. According to the CNBC talking head, the Department of Defense relies HEAVILY on Starlink for its data and communications. There are roughly 7,000 Starlink satellites in orbit right now. Jeff Bezos is getting into the game with his own satellite company, called "Project Kuiper." But Project Kuiper is in its infancy, and has yet to launch its first satellite. Even in the best case (for Bezos) scenario, it will be YEARS before Project Kuiper is a viable competitor to Starlink.
