Former NASA chief turned ULA lobbyist seeks law to limit SpaceX funding

Here's something that might surprise you — former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine is now backing legislation to restrict how much of NASA’s launch budget can go to one company, specifically aiming to curb SpaceX’s dominance. So, why does this matter? Well, Bridenstine tweeted that competition and innovation are the real keys to America’s success in space, and he’s encouraged by Congress exploring this new rule, which is part of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025. According to Eric Berger writing in Technology, this move seems to be a response to concerns about too much reliance on SpaceX, especially as Elon Musk’s company continues to grow. Bridenstine’s support signals that some in the industry are worried about monopolies stifling competition. And get this — Senator Ted Cruz plans to hold a markup hearing soon to debate it all. So, what’s next? Watch how this plays out — it’s a bold move that could shake up the space industry’s landscape.