4 ms·
SpaceX doesn't have the domain knowledge of a defense prime to be able to really compete with them, at least certainly not today. Drones, missiles, fighter pla
by airstrike 6y ago
SpaceX doesn't have the domain knowledge of a defense prime to be able to really compete with them, at least certainly not today.
Drones, missiles, fighter planes are chock full of proprietary software developed by the primes and hardware developed either by themselves or often Tier 2 or Tier 3 suppliers. Replicating that isn't done overnight and would be an immensely challenging uphill battle against entrenched corporations with decades of experience and very close ties with Washington, which makes competing with NASA look like a walk in the park.
SpaceX would need to hire former lobbyists, managers and engineers from primes and their suppliers and play a really long game to try to get there. Doesn't seem feasible in less than 10 years and even that is an outrageously optimistic timeline.
- iamcreasy 6y agoSpaceX not competing against NASA, instead it was was always competing against commercial launch provider such as ULA.
- avmich 6y agoSpaceX absolutely competes against NASA in SLS case - SLS is so absurd even deep pockets of USA taxpayer can't prevent SLS losing in comparison to SpaceX solutions. Of course, NASA can use more regulatory heavy handing - they had approximately that unfortunate experience with Beal Aerospace - but we'll see if NASA will get to it in the current situation. So far the forecast isn't that dark.
- azernik 6y agoNASA is not the competitor. How can I tell? Because if SpaceX wins, it's a NASA check they'll be cashing.