February 6
IRON DOME Act Expands Starshield Opportunity

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Kevin Cramer have proposed the $20+ billion IRON DOME Act to modernize missile defense, allocating $900 million for space-based systems and $60 million for advanced satellite sensors. This legislation aims to enhance the U.S. defense architecture by integrating cutting-edge orbital tracking capabilities. For SpaceX, the act represents a prime opportunity for its Starshield division to secure high-margin government contracts. Successfully capturing this market could reinforce SpaceX’s strategic role in next-generation national security solutions, further expanding its presence beyond commercial launches into the defense sector.

February 7
FCC Eyes Upper C-Band Reallocation: Starlink vs. 5G Implications

The FCC has launched a Notice of Inquiry to consider repurposing the remaining upper C‑band spectrum (3.98–4.2 GHz), setting the stage for a showdown between Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the wireless industry. SpaceX aims to expand Starlink’s direct-to-device connectivity, while carriers seek additional mid-band capacity for 5G networks.

The inquiry will determine if these frequencies should be dedicated solely to satellite services, allocated exclusively for terrestrial 5G, or managed under a shared use model. Given that the previous C‑band auction raised about $80 billion, any new reallocation could have major financial implications and lead to complex compensation schemes for incumbent satellite operators.

Industry analysts suggest SpaceX’s push for more spectrum is as much a strategic maneuver as a technical necessity. In the linked article above, policy adviser Blair Levin of New Street Research noted, “in this administration it appears that ‘whatever Elon wants, Elon gets,’” hinting that SpaceX may be leveraging its influence to bolster Starlink. Meanwhile, established satellite operators are expected to resist further encroachment without incentives.

The FCC’s 90‑day comment period will be crucial in shaping a decision that balances technical needs, economic stakes, and competitive dynamics in the evolving spectrum landscape

February 8
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Sparks Debate on Planetary Defense as Impact Odds Go Viral

NASA Asteroid Watch data on 2024 YR4 reignited debate on planetary defense. Before risk numbers were revised down, Astrophysicist Brian Cox urged consideration of a deflection mission, while Elon Musk proposed using Starships—deployed on Mars or within the asteroid belt—as countermeasures. Experts also noted that advancements in heavy-lift rockets and survey systems are crucial, especially as the asteroid is set to recede into deep space by 2028, complicating tracking efforts.

NASA’s subsequent $100 million contract with SpaceX underscores a robust public–private collaboration. SpaceX will launch the NEO Surveyor spacecraft via Falcon 9 to Lagrange Point 1, scanning for near-Earth objects larger than 140 meters. This mission builds on prior successes like the DART mission and Europe’s Hera mission, further solidifying SpaceX’s role in planetary defense.

February 9
T-Mobile and SpaceX Launch Starlink Satellite-to-Cell Beta Service After Super Bowl Debut

T-Mobile, in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, used a Super Bowl ad to announce the public beta launch of its satellite-to-phone connectivity service, offering free texting coverage in remote areas (even to non-T-Mobile users) until an official launch in July. The new service uses SpaceX’s upgraded satellites to deliver basic SMS connectivity directly to standard smartphones without any special hardware, marking a clever strategic move that capitalizes on Starlink’s rapid deployment advantages. This beta launch is a bold marketing play that aims to access AT&T and Verizon customers by offering a “better-than-nothing” solution in areas with limited terrestrial coverage, while simultaneously allowing T-Mobile to try and capture market share from its larger competitors.

However, while the headline grabs attention, the text-only functionality—combined with the need for a T-Mobile eSIM—serves as a reminder that this is just the very beginning of the direct-to-cell industry. From a broader perspective, this move could pressure AT&T and Verizon to accelerate their own satellite-based initiatives (via AST SpaceMobile), potentially accelerating the competitive race that will benefit the overall industry. Furthermore, the pricing strategy (with fees ranging from an early-bird $10 to a standard $15 for T-Mobile customers and $20 for non-T-Mobile users) sets a high benchmark for average revenue per user.

We have no doubt that this pricing will go down over time, as both T-Mobile and Starlink are still in price-discovery mode. In essence, while Starlink’s current beta is an impressive display of brand leverage and strategic foresight, it serves as a marketing ‘waiting room’ that tests consumer appetite and pressures established carriers.

February 12
Starbase City

Local officials in Cameron County, Texas cleared the way for an election to officially incorporate the community around SpaceX’s Boca Chica launch site as “Starbase, Texas.” On Feb. 12, the county judge signed an order approving a petition (led by SpaceX employees) to hold a May vote on making Starbase a city. With only ~500 residents (mostly SpaceX staff) eligible, the incorporation is expected to pass, making Starbase the state’s newest city. This move could grant SpaceX greater control over the regulatory and zoning environment at its Starship development site. A company-centric city might streamline permits and infrastructure development for launches, effectively giving SpaceX a tailored jurisdiction to support its ambitious Starship test program.

February 12
Elon Musk’s DOGE Team Set to Audit NASA Payments Amid Calls for Budget Efficiency

According to Bloomberg, Musk’s DOGE team is preparing to audit NASA’s payment processes—not to secure extra government funding for SpaceX, which already has ample resources, but to reduce inefficiencies in the agency’s sprawling budget. While some speculate about ulterior motives, the reality is that SpaceX’s launch operations have become the backbone of the space industry, and its Starlink network is poised to be a major revenue generator, leaving little incentive for any dodgy maneuvering. That being said, any effort to free up budget by cutting waste would likely shift more NASA funds toward competitive contracts for SpaceX, reinforcing its market dominance. The move underscores ongoing concerns about fiscal inefficiencies at NASA and highlights a strategic push for more effective government spending in the commercial space sector

February 13
Blue Origin Implements Major Layoffs to Refocus Operations and Compete

In a decisive restructuring, Blue Origin is streamlining operations by reducing its workforce by 10%, likely to accelerate the heavy-lift New Glenn launch, aiming to disrupt the commercial launch market and challenge SpaceX’s cost leadership. CEO David Limp confirmed that rapid hiring had led to increased bureaucracy, prompting a strategic restructuring to streamline operations. He also mentions that, in spite of these cuts, Blue Origin is at an exciting time with a record number of flights scheduled this year, including landing on the Moon. While the company’s layoffs are immediately about enhancing efficiency and launch frequency for its New Glenn and New Shepard vehicles, the broader implication is that Blue Origin is aggressively repositioning itself in a market long dominated by SpaceX.

For SpaceX investors, this move signals an intensifying competitive landscape where improved operational discipline at Blue Origin could reduce New Glenn's time to market and introduce fresh pricing competition in the heavy‐lift launch sector. However, the reality is that Blue Origin must accelerate New Glenn's development, as its estimated cost per kilogram to low Earth orbit ranges from roughly $1,500 under ideal reusability conditions to about $1,800–$2,200 if reusability falls short—compared to Falcon 9’s currently estimated ~$900/kg, according to Mach33. To gain market share, Blue Origin could even operate New Glenn launches at a loss in the short term, leveraging Bezos’s deep financial resources. Moreover, with SpaceX’s Starship slated to be launching commercial payloads by 2030—initially offering launch costs of approximately $500–$1,000/kg, potentially dropping to around $100/kg with improved reusability, and ultimately nearing $10/kg through mass manufacturing—Blue Origin is under significant pressure to get New Glenn operational at scale before SpaceX starts to redefine the economics of orbital launches once again.

February 18
Elon Musk Unveils Bold Mars Mission Vision at Grok 3 Event

During the Grok 3 event, Musk outlined an ambitious vision for Mars: Starships carrying Optimus robots and Grok AI could launch as early as late 2026. The plan emphasizes capitalizing on favorable Earth–Mars transfer windows over the coming decades to eventually establish a self-sustaining colony. This announcement reinforces SpaceX’s long-term interplanetary objectives.

Elon Musk reaffirmed his Mars ambitions, tweeting on February 19 that at least 10 Earth-Mars transfer windows (spanning 25–50 years) are needed to establish a self-sustaining Martian settlement—and ideally, he’d like 20 windows to ensure survival.

February 19
Falcon 9 Upper Stage Reentry After Propellant Leak

A Falcon 9 upper stage from a February 1 Vandenberg launch, which deployed 22 Starlink satellites, reentered over Europe on February 19 after a liquid oxygen leak prevented its planned deorbit burn. The leak led to higher-than-expected vehicle body rates, forcing the stage to passivate and decay naturally under atmospheric drag. Although debris—mostly composite overwrapped pressure vessels—fell in Poland, only minor damage was reported. This incident marks the third upper stage anomaly in just over six months, following similar issues in July 2024 and during the Crew-9 mission. SpaceX has since implemented mitigations to prevent recurrence while maintaining its launch schedule.

February 20
Musk Calls for Early ISS Deorbit

Elon Musk has recommended that preparations begin immediately to deorbit the International Space Station—potentially within two years—instead of waiting for the scheduled 2030 deorbit under SpaceX’s current contract, arguing that the ISS now offers little incremental utility. Although SpaceX is under contract to develop a US Deorbit Vehicle designed to safely bring down the ISS in 2030, Musk has recommended that deorbiting occur as soon as possible—specifically, within approximately two years. This statement raises the possibility that new-generation commercial space stations may be needed much sooner than 2030.

February 21
SpaceX Plans Booster 14 Static Fire Test and Reuse for Starship Flight 9

A recent FCC filing confirms that Starship Flight 9 (not the one today!) will include a catch landing option, allowing the ship to return to the launch site while reusing Booster 14 alongside Ship 35—booster returning to Pad A and the ship to Pad B. Booster 14, successfully recovered during Flight 7, is scheduled for a static fire test to validate enhanced avionics and a more powerful flight computer. These combined efforts are pivotal steps toward reducing turnaround times and lowering launch costs, advancing SpaceX’s goal of full Starship reusability.

February 21
DOJ Drops Hiring Discrimination Lawsuit Against SpaceX

The U.S. Department of Justice moved to dismiss its 2023 lawsuit accusing SpaceX of hiring discrimination against asylum seekers and refugees​. On Feb. 21, court filings revealed the DOJ requested to end the case – a judge promptly lifted a stay to allow the suit’s dismissal with prejudice (meaning it cannot be refiled)​. This legal reversal removes a potential liability and reputational cloud that had hung over SpaceX. The suit had alleged SpaceX wrongly limited hires to U.S. citizens/permanent residents citing export control laws​.

Dropping the case suggests a more business-friendly regulatory climate under the new administration, essentially freeing SpaceX from a costly legal battle. The outcome bolsters SpaceX’s ability to recruit globally (within ITAR bounds) without the overhang of litigation. Strategically, avoiding sanctions or fines means SpaceX can maintain focus (and funds) on its projects like Starship and Starlink. It also highlights Elon Musk’s growing political clout – an intrinsically interesting factor – as policy shifts appear to favor his companies. In short, the DOJ’s retreat is a significant relief for SpaceX, mitigating a risk factor and affirming that government support for the company remains strong.

February 25
FAA Tests Starlink for Air Traffic Communications

Despite awarding a $2 billion contract to Verizon in 2023 to overhaul its network, the FAA announced testing of SpaceX’s Starlink to bolster aviation communications at remote sites​. In late February, the FAA – with Elon Musk’s prompting – deployed Starlink terminals to improve the relay of critical data like weather information, especially in Alaska where connectivity gaps have long existed​. Musk even shipped 4,000 Starlink dishes to the agency and argued that Verizon’s system “is not working” for air safety​. Early tests include one Starlink unit at the FAA’s Atlantic City facility and two at sites in Alaska​.

While no formal contract is in place yet, this pilot program is a proof-of-concept that Starlink could augment or partially replace legacy FAA networks. For SpaceX, it opens a path to lucrative government infrastructure deals – potentially muscling in on Verizon’s turf​. If adopted widely, Starlink could become integral to air traffic control communications, a huge validation of its reliability. Strategically, this signifies SpaceX leveraging Starlink beyond consumer broadband into critical enterprise and government applications. It underscores how regulatory influence (Musk’s sway in Washington) and technical advantages converge to create a new revenue stream and strengthen Starlink’s value proposition in the connectivity market.