fromArs Technica
1 week agoPentagon contract figures show ULA's Vulcan rocket is getting more expensive
It's important to remember that these prices aren't what ULA or SpaceX would charge a commercial satellite customer. The US government pays a premium for access to space. The Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA don't insure their launches like a commercial customer would do. Instead, government agencies have more insight into their launch contractors, including inspections, flight data reviews, risk assessments, and security checks. Government missions also typically get priority on ULA and SpaceX's launch schedules.
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