How The U.S. Became So Dependent On SpaceX
August 24, 2025
333,320
4,936
1,151
1.83%
Search the Record
IndexedEvery word spoken in this episode is indexed. Type any phrase to jump straight to the moment it was said.
Type any word or phrase that may have been spoken. Click a result to seek the player to that exact moment.
Try a name, a topic, or a quoted line
Cnbc Episodes Around August 24, 2025
See what was published immediately before and after this episode.
13:20Now PlayingHow The U.S. Became So Dependent On SpaceX
Chapters
YouTube Description
as posted by the channelSpaceX 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:
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
» Subscribe to CNBC
» Subscribe to CNBC TV
» Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+
About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.
Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal BrandOnline, In Person, and At Work. Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax). Offer valid through September 2, 2025
Connect with CNBC News Online
Get the latest news
Follow CNBC on LinkedIn
Follow CNBC News on Instagram
Follow CNBC News on Facebook
Follow CNBC on Threads
Follow CNBC News on X
Follow CNBC on WhatsApp
#CNBC
Why SpaceX Became Crucial To The U.S. Space Program
Guests & Subjects Covered
Sentinel Indexing in Progress
Metadata and chapters are available. Claim extraction for this episode is pending.
All video content is delivered via YouTube embedded players in accordance with the YouTube Terms of Service. Sentinel provides research tools that promote discovery and accountability across political media.