Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common StockSpaceX wins $1.6B Space Force launch contract for 18 Falcon 9 missions.

SpaceX has secured two U.S. Space Force task orders worth a combined $1.6 billion to launch 18 Falcon 9 rockets carrying military satellites, with all missions scheduled from Vandenberg Space Force Base by the end of 2027. The launches will support the Pentagon's Space-Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio, a satellite network designed to detect hypersonic weapons and cruise missiles, and form part of the proposed $185 billion Golden Dome missile defense shield. The contract, awarded through the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, values each launch at roughly $89 million, above SpaceX's standard commercial rate of around $70 million, reflecting added security and integration requirements. The deal arrives days before SpaceX reports its first earnings as a public company on August 4, and two business days later a lockup period expires for most pre-IPO investors, potentially releasing nearly a billion shares. SpaceX shares have fallen about 52% from their all-time high of $225.64 on June 16 to a low of $107.01 on July 28, pressured by high valuation, heavy short interest, and anticipated insider selling.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common StockSpaceX wins $1.6B Space Force launch contract for 18 Falcon 9 missions.
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