The U.S. Air Force has awarded SpaceX a five-year, $102 million contract to demonstrate Starship's potential for rapid worldwide military cargo and humanitarian aid delivery.
In its fiscal year 2022 budget justification document (page 305), the U.S. Air Force detailed plans for a fully reusable cargo rocket capable of transporting up to 100 tons of Air Force cargo anywhere on Earth in less than an hour.
Though not explicitly naming SpaceX's Starship, the description was unmistakable. Months prior, the Pentagon had signaled interest in partnering with SpaceX for fast global transport of troops and equipment. Starship remains the only vehicle in development able to meet these demands.
This vision is now taking shape. The U.S. Air Force has granted SpaceX a five-year, $102 million contract to showcase rocket-based global military cargo and humanitarian aid capabilities. Overseen by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the effort will evaluate heavy launchers for Department of Defense logistics needs.
Awarded on January 14 and first reported by Aviation Week, this marks the largest contract to date for rocket cargo development. While not vehicle-specific, Starship is the clear frontrunner.
SpaceX will design cargo bays for swift loading and unloading with U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) intermodal containers. The deal includes an option for a full demonstration flight involving heavy cargo transport and landing, yielding vital data for the Air Force's Rocket Cargo Program under Greg Spanjers. Additional companies will join over time.
Meanwhile, Starship SN20's debut orbital test flight—originally set for February—has slipped again, potentially to spring. Super Heavy will traverse the Gulf of Mexico before returning to the launch site, while Starship orbits Earth and splashes down off Kauai, Hawaii.
