SpaceX secures Pentagon deal at fivefold price hike for Starlink services in Iran conflict, as Stellantis announces €1 billion electric vehicle investment in France.
SpaceX has successfully negotiated a fivefold increase in payments from the U.S. Department of Defense for Starlink satellite services used to guide American kamikaze drones over Iran, according to a Reuters report . The Pentagon agreed to the higher rate, underscoring the critical role of Starlink’s low-latency connectivity in modern warfare. The deal comes as SpaceX prepares for what analysts describe as the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, with Elon Musk seeking to raise billions from investors . However, market observers warn that the company’s lofty valuation—expected to exceed $200 billion—could limit future growth potential, leaving little room for upside .
Meanwhile, Stellantis has committed €1 billion to develop a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) at its Mulhouse plant in France, part of a broader €60 billion strategy unveiled last week to accelerate electrification . The investment aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a national push toward EVs, though critics note the lack of new consumer subsidies to offset rising costs . The Mulhouse facility, historically a hub for Peugeot and Citroën production, will now focus on next-generation EV platforms, including a revival of the iconic 2CV in electric form.
In the aerospace sector, Voyager Space has secured a $16.5 million contract from DARPA to advance solid rocket propellant technology, aiming to enhance thrust control for military and space missions . The project reflects growing demand for adaptable propulsion systems capable of serving both defense and commercial applications.
Background and outlook: SpaceX’s IPO, expected within weeks, will test investor appetite for high-risk, high-reward aerospace ventures. The Pentagon’s willingness to meet SpaceX’s pricing demands highlights the company’s near-monopoly on satellite-based military communications, though regulatory scrutiny over its market power may intensify. For Stellantis, the Mulhouse investment signals a bet on Europe’s EV transition, even as affordability concerns persist. The broader industry trend points to deeper integration between automotive and aerospace technologies, with legacy automakers and space firms increasingly competing for government contracts and private capital.