The federal government relies heavily on Mr. Musk’s technology for space exploration and competing with superpower rivals, despite his controversial views. Traditional defense contractors would face pressure to resign for embracing such views, but SpaceX, Mr. Musk’s company, is privately held and controlled entirely by him. Walter Isaacson, Mr. Musk’s biographer, acknowledges that the U.S. government has tried to develop alternatives, but no other company has been able to match SpaceX’s achievements in reusable rockets and satellite deployment.
