Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has given a clear picture of how his space company plans to make money in 2026. In a post on the platform X, Musk said that NASA’s share of SpaceX’s revenue next year will be only about five per cent. That is a small portion of the total money SpaceX expects to bring in. The announcement drew attention because SpaceX began as a company that worked closely with NASA on launches and missions, including carrying astronauts to the International Space Station. Musk’s comment shows how SpaceX’s business has changed rapidly as the company expands into other areas.SpaceX is best known around the world for its reusable Falcon rockets and the Starship spacecraft that aims to carry humans deeper into space. It also operates a large satellite internet service called Starlink, which connects users in many countries. According to Musk’s post, the income from Starlink and other commercial activities will be much larger than the money SpaceX earns from NASA contracts. This shift highlights the changing nature of the space business, where private revenue streams are becoming increasingly important even as collaboration with space agencies continues.
Elon Musk says NASA will be a small part of SpaceX’s business
In his message on the social media platform X, Musk said that while he still respects NASA and its role in space exploration, the revenue NASA contributes to SpaceX’s overall business next year will make up only about five per cent. He used the comment to point out how revenue from other sources, like Starlink satellite services and commercial launches, now dominate the company’s financial picture.SpaceX does not publicly release detailed financial data because it is a privately held company. Musk’s statement is therefore a rare public comment about how the company’s income is expected to be divided. Industry observers have noted that SpaceX’s reliance on NASA contracts has lessened over time as the business has grown its commercial service offerings.
Why NASA’s share is shrinking
NASA has been one of SpaceX’s earliest and most visible customers. According to reports, the government has given the company contracts to launch scientific satellites, bring supplies to the International Space Station, and move astronauts. These projects helped SpaceX build its reputation in the aerospace industry and gave it early financial support. But as SpaceX has expanded its own services, the amount of money it makes from NASA contracts has steadily gone down.A big reason for that change is Starlink, a satellite network that provides internet connectivity to customers around the world. Starlink has expanded rapidly and now supports broadband service for homes, businesses, and organisations in many countries. Starlink subscriptions and partnerships have brought in a lot of money quickly, making them a key part of SpaceX’s business model. By 2026, they are expected to make up a large part of the company’s total revenue.
Starlink’s role in SpaceX’s future
Starlink is a group of thousands of satellites that circle the Earth to provide internet service. Millions of people have signed up for the service, and SpaceX has made it available in many more areas. This satellite internet business has become one of the company’s biggest sources of income. It helps pay for other things and gives SpaceX a steady stream of money that isn’t just from rocket launches.As more people sign up for Starlink, it is expected to bring in even more money for SpaceX. Musk’s statement makes it clear that next year, NASA contracts will only make up a small part of the company’s earnings compared to commercial services like Starlink.