NEWS

Pentagon to Open Up Space Launch Vehicle Bidding, Expected Competitors Contribute over $4M

Jeffrey ErnstFriedman | December 05, 2012

The Pentagon has authorized competitive bidding for the main component of the rockets that send satellites into space. According to Bloomberg BusinessWeek, aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing currently hold a monopoly on the contracts through their joint venture United Launch Alliance. The decision by the Pentagon opens up opportunities for companies such as Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp.

Data: MapLight analysis of Lockheed, Boeing, SpaceX, Orbital Sciences Corp. contributions to federal candidates during the 2012 election cycle.

PAC Contributions
  HouseSenateGrand Total
Lockheed Martin  $1,803,500 $333,500 $2,137,000
Boeing  $1,629,500 $275,500 $1,905,000
Orbital Sciences Corp.  $96,500 $58,500 $155,000
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)  $70,381 $23,500 $93,881
       
Grand Total $3,599,881 $691,000 $4,290,881

Methodology: MapLight analysis of campaign contributions to federal candidates from Jan. 1, 2011-Nov. 17, 2012 from PACs controlled by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital Sciences Corp., and SpaceX. Source: FEC.gov, as of Dec. 2, 2012. If you use MapLight data please cite accordingly.

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