SpaceX Reveals Starship Development Costs and Funding Sources
SpaceX has disclosed that developing the Starship rocket has cost over $7.5 billion, with annual operational expenses at Starbase reaching $1.5 billion. This information emerged from a legal battle with environmental group Save RGV, which is challenging SpaceX's launch practices. The company argues that its water deluge system is government-approved and does not harm the environment.
Elon Musk identifies Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, as the primary funding source for Starship, boasting over 3 million customers and projected revenues of $6.6 billion for 2024. Additionally, contracts with NASA and the Pentagon further support the program, with significant agreements for lunar missions and military launches.
Starship's success is crucial not only for its own missions but also for the future of Starlink, as the next generation of satellites will require the larger rocket for deployment.