Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., has revolutionized the aerospace industry with its groundbreaking advancements and ambitious mission to make space travel more affordable and eventually enable the colonization of Mars. A significant component of SpaceX's funding and revenue stream has come from its contracts with various government bodies, particularly NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

As of recent data, SpaceX has secured at least $15.4 billion from government contracts. These contracts have been for a range of services, including launching satellites, resupplying the International Space Station (ISS), and developing new technologies. One of the notable contracts includes the Commercial Crew Program in collaboration with NASA, which aims to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. This initiative marked a significant shift in NASA’s approach, as it moved to work with private companies like SpaceX for lower-Earth orbit transportation, rather than solely relying on its own spacecraft.

In 2021, SpaceX was awarded a classified contract worth $1.8 billion, underscoring its pivotal role not just in commercial aerospace endeavors but also in national security operations. The details of classified contracts are often not publicized due to their sensitive nature, but they typically involve launching military satellites, reconnaissance operations, or developing technology that can enhance the capabilities of the United States in terms of global security and defense strategies.

Overall, the relationships and contracts between SpaceX and government agencies have been instrumental in advancing U.S. space capabilities while also propelling SpaceX towards its broader aspirations in space exploration. The company continues to develop innovative technologies such as the Starship spacecraft, which is designed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, indicating a sustained trajectory of groundbreaking work in the aerospace sector.