Elon Musk: China Would Be "Pretty Happy" to Invest in SpaceX, a US "Military Contractor"

In a candid moment during an interview at the Satellite 2020 conference, visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk offered a provocative perspective on the geopolitical landscape surrounding his aerospace company, SpaceX. Responding to a question about the United States government potentially taking a controlling stake in SpaceX due to its pivotal role in national security, Musk diverted attention with a striking observation: he believes China would be enthusiastic about investing in his company.

“China could put a bunch of money into SpaceX.

They'd probably be pretty happy to do that,” Musk stated, his words immediately drawing attention to the complex intertwining of technology, commerce, and national defense. His comment wasn't merely a speculative remark; it was delivered in the context of SpaceX's undeniable status as, in his own words, a “military contractor” for the United States.

He emphasized that SpaceX builds rockets for reasons deeply rooted in national security, labeling the company as “national security critical” to the US.

This declaration underscores a fundamental reality: while SpaceX is a private entity pushing the boundaries of space exploration and commercial satellite internet, its advanced capabilities are inherently valuable for strategic national interests.

The discussion inevitably turned to Starlink, SpaceX’s ambitious satellite internet constellation. While its primary mission is to deliver high-speed broadband globally, Musk acknowledged its significant military implications.

Starlink's constellation of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites could offer robust, secure, and difficult-to-disrupt communication channels, making it a powerful asset for intelligence gathering and military operations.

This dual-use nature of cutting-edge technology presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in an era of escalating global competition and the increasing militarization of space. Musk’s remarks serve as a potent reminder of the delicate balance between commercial innovation and geopolitical strategy, positioning SpaceX not just as a leader in aerospace, but as a critical player on the international stage, with potential interest from rival global powers like China.