In the past, Lockheed and Douglass had contracts to build the launch vehicles and support systems, which then became property of and were maintained by NASA. Sp

In the past, Lockheed and Douglass had contracts to build the launch vehicles and support systems, which then became property of and were maintained by NASA. SpaceX has a contract to deliver cargo, meaning that the launch system and control is entirely theirs and NASA cargo is merely hitching a ride on it. Exciting times, my friend.