[outworlder]

The 'subsidy' is less than a non-SpaceX launch would cost and peanuts for a R&D project, specially one with this potential. And it's about the same amount the US military is currently spending to certify SpaceX for military launches. What about the NASA contracts? These are done with taxpayer money too.

[Fuxy]

I find it fascinating that Elon Musk hasn't chipped in since even though it's a competitor to SpaceX it is ultimately a step in the right direction for his goal of putting people on Mars and into space.

Hell he could take the engine and build a new spacecraft based on it.

[ceejayoz]

I think he's happy with the engines he has, as well as the ability to say "here's what we're doing" without someone else having the final say.

[goodcanadian]

Also, as rich as he is, he is not made of money. His wealth is tied up in SpaceX and Tesla.