After months of ups and downs in their relationship, President Donald Trump delivered a boon to Elon Musk with an executive order expected to benefit SpaceX. In his “Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry” directive, Trump told federal agencies to slash or accelerate regulatory reviews for commercial rocket launches, a move that will make things smoother for the billionaire’s private space launch provider, Knewz.com can report.
A victory for SpaceX
SpaceX, which holds multiple contracts with NASA and other federal agencies, is responsible for routine cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station. The company, which is behind the development of the Starship rocket system, is currently the most active U.S. launch provider.
Another success for Musk
With a valuation of $400 billion as of July 2025, SpaceX holds the title of the most valuable private company globally. Musk’s equity in the firm represents the largest portion of his personal fortune. The businessman is, as of 2025, reportedly worth at least $371 billion, earning him the title of richest person in the world.
‘Slashing red tape’
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy — who is also currently the acting administrator of NASA — Trump’s executive order aims to create a more competitive launch environment and substantially expand the pace of commercial launches and innovative space operations by 2030. “People think the Department of Transportation is just planes, trains and automobiles — but we have a critical role to play in unlocking the final frontier. By slashing red tape tying up spaceport construction, streamlining launch licenses so they can occur at scale, and creating high-level space positions in government, we can unleash the next wave of innovation. At NASA, this means continuing to work with commercial space companies and improving our spaceports’ ability to launch,” Duffy said in a statement. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, we will enable American space competitiveness and superiority for decades to come. I look forward to leveraging my dual role at DOT and NASA to make this dream a reality.”
Onward to Mars
In addition to the work it’s doing for the U.S. government, SpaceX also remains committed to reaching Mars. “Expansion of Starship production and launch operations in Florida will enable SpaceX to significantly increase the build and flight rates for Starship, which will be the first rapidly and fully reusable launch vehicle in history,” the company said in a March statement. “Access to space is a critical and growing need for U.S. national security, leadership in science, the country’s exploration goals, and for the growth of the economy. Starship will ultimately be responsible for sending millions of tons of payload to Mars — building a self-sustaining city to make humanity multiplanetary.”
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Author: Marisa Laudadio
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