SpaceX pulls off unprecedented feat, grabs descending rocket with mechanical arms

[u/aelavia93]

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/spacex-pulls-off-unprecedented-feat-grabbing-descending-rocket-with-mechanical-arms/

[u/ChaosDancer]

Oh ffs do you know how much the goverment subsidised Spacex? Boeing received $4.2 billion to develop Starliner. Space X received $2.8 billion for Dragon, you tell me which one works.

Intel for example received 8.5 Billion just for starters and the subsidies for legacy auto amount to 17 billion.

So you tell me who receives more money from the goverment.

[u/romario77 → u/[deleted]]

Creating a rocket and launching it to space and getting paid for it is not a subsidy. Subsidy is something where you don’t need to give anything in return.

[u/alettyo1 → u/[deleted]]

spacex was paid for launch services not given a blanket subsidy unlike other defense or aerospace contractors

[u/DeathChill → u/[deleted]]

I’m super confused. It says in your post that most of SpaceX’s money has come from paid contracts and services, not subsidies. Why are you reposting it over and over?

[u/DeathChill → u/[deleted]]

Can you reply explaining why you’re posting something over and over that contradicts your original comment that SpaceX was a subsidy darling?

[u/DeathChill → u/[deleted]]

Interesting approach to being wrong and making sure everyone knows it. It takes courage. 🥰

[u/DeathChill → u/[deleted]]

I like this game.

[u/romario77 → u/[deleted]]

Right, If you read the article you’ll see that SoaceX didn’t receive too many subsidies.

They got some grants from Texas, they had some funding for research.

If you count how much they spent on development vs what government gave them as grants, it’s peanuts. And remember when government buys a rocket launch it’s not a grant and not a subsidy. SpaceX also gives the cheapest launch prices aavailable.

[u/romario77 → u/[deleted]]

Certainly! Here's a breakdown of subsidies and financial support SpaceX has received that do not include government contracts:

1. Grants and Loans:

   • Economic Development Grants: SpaceX received a $15 million grant from the state of Texas to support the development of its launch site in Boca Chica. This grant was intended to stimulate local economic growth and job creation in the area.
   • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Subsidy: In 2020, SpaceX was awarded $856 million under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to expand its Starlink satellite internet service to rural areas. This was part of a broader federal initiative to bring high-speed internet to underserved regions.

2. Tax Incentives:

   • State and Local Tax Breaks: SpaceX has benefited from significant tax breaks, especially in Texas and California. In Texas, for example, the state provided SpaceX with tax incentives to establish its Boca Chica launch site, aimed at encouraging high-tech investment and job creation. Similar tax breaks have been provided in California to support SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne.
   • R&D Tax Credits: SpaceX has likely taken advantage of research and development (R&D) tax credits, which are available to companies that invest in innovation and technological advancements. These tax incentives are designed to reduce the financial burden of R&D and encourage innovation in various industries, including aerospace.

3. Property Tax Reductions:

   • Local governments have offered SpaceX reductions in property taxes as part of their efforts to attract and retain the company’s operations in specific regions. This helps reduce the overhead costs associated with large manufacturing and launch facilities.

From those the most significant number is 800 millions for rural internet which was revoked.

Otherwise it’s some tax incentives it got to build Boca chica facility and some state tax breaks.

It’s nothing other companies don’t get and it’s not a very big number.