Summary Founded in 2002, SpaceX is controlled by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Air Force has certified private company SpaceX to launch military satellites, opening the doors to a lucrative market previously held solely by a Lockheed and Boeing joint venture.
With the clearance SpaceX can compete for military space contracts valued by US authorities at $9.5 billion over the next five years.
As soon as June SpaceX could bid for the military s new GPS satellite launches, the Air Force said.
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said the certification was a "very important milestone" for the Defense Department, allowing competition for launches for the first time in a decade.
Founded in 2002, SpaceX is controlled by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company has grown rapidly to become a leader in commercial space launches and for US space agency NASA.
SpaceX has made numerous cargo flights to resupply the International Space Station and is preparing for a manned flight.
SpaceX competes with France-based Arianespace, which complains of not having access to US government contracts.
