05-01-2014, 06:13 PM
As I understand it, that contract was issued before SpaceX even had a viable vehicle, so they're not likely to win that, but it will force the military to consider SpaceX for future operations and will put their name in front of lots of eyes that would otherwise not consider them. I think it was a calculated publicity move to make sure that the old guard is aware that Boeing/Lockheed aren't the only game in town.