SpaceX has expanded its partnership with NASA, securing an additional three crewed Dragon missions to the International Space Station through 2030. The agreement could generate up to $946 million for Elon Musk’s aerospace company upon completion.
The new flight support award brings SpaceX’s total missions under NASA’s Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract to 17 operational flights, according to the agency. NASA said the agreement will help maintain reliable access to the International Space Station through two commercial crew providers.
SpaceX and Boeing continue NASA partnerships
NASA’s commercial crew program relies on both SpaceX and Boeing to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Boeing is developing missions through its Starliner spacecraft, which is expected to conduct an uncrewed test flight in the coming months before beginning crewed missions targeted for the third quarter of 2027.
Under the expanded agreement, SpaceX will provide launch operations, ground support, in-orbit services, cargo transportation, return and recovery operations, and emergency lifeboat capabilities while spacecraft are docked at the International Space Station.
NASA contracts remain important for SpaceX
SpaceX became a public company in June through the largest initial public offering on record. Government contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense continue to play an important role in supporting the company’s launch business.
Through its NASA Commercial Crew contract, SpaceX is expected to receive a total of approximately $5.92 billion from the space agency.
Future of SpaceX’s Dragon program
NASA’s Crew-13 mission with SpaceX is expected to launch in October, while Crew-14 is scheduled for next spring.
Beyond NASA missions, SpaceX is reportedly preparing to reduce its reliance on the Dragon spacecraft program, which began transporting astronauts only six years ago. The company’s long-term focus is shifting toward Starship, its next-generation rocket currently under development that is intended to support many future launches.
