politics
March 3, 2026
Former NASA chief turned ULA lobbyist seeks law to limit SpaceX funding
America succeeds in space when American companies compete.
TL;DR
- Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine supports a congressional bill to limit NASA's launch funding to any single provider to 50%.
- Bridenstine argues this promotes competition, innovation, and strengthens the US space industrial base.
- Critics, including former NASA official Phil McAlister, contend the provision is anti-competitive and politically driven.
- Bridenstine's consulting firm, The Artemis Group, received nearly $1 million from United Launch Alliance (ULA) in 2025.
- ULA was a major competitor to SpaceX and has struggled to launch its Vulcan rocket, while SpaceX has been crucial for NASA missions.
- The provision targets launch revenues but excludes space transportation services like human landers.
- Bridenstine's past criticisms of NASA's decision to award a Human Landing System contract to SpaceX are noted.
- Critics suggest Bridenstine's actions align with ULA's past criticisms of NASA leadership.
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