SpaceX Has Been Cleared For US Military Launches

The unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida on April 14, 2015. Reuters/Scott Audette

The Verge: SpaceX can now launch military and spy satellites with its Falcon 9 rocket

The US Air Force has certified SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to launch military and spy satellites, according to Reuters. Currently, the control of those launches is dominated by the United Launch Alliance, a Boeing and Lockheed Martin consortium.

Elon Musk and SpaceX spent two years and more than $60 million to acquire the certification. The company will now compete for about one-third of these launches, as it apparently won't be able to launch the largest satellites until its bigger rocket — the Falcon Heavy — is built, tested, and certified on its own.

More News On SpaceX Has Being Cleared For US Military Launches

USAF Certifies SpaceX for Military Launches -- Defense News
SpaceX Gains Approval to Enter $70 Billion Military Market -- Bloomberg
US Air Force Certifies SpaceX To Launch Military, Spy Satellites With Falcon 9 Rocket -- IBTimes
SpaceX cleared for US military launches -- BBC
Air Force Certifies SpaceX To Launch Military Satellites -- Defense One
Air Force Certifies SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket For Military Launches -- Forbes
U.S. Air Force certifies SpaceX for national security launches -- Reuters
Air Force certifies SpaceX to bid for military space missions -- Endgadget
SpaceX Gets Approval for Military Launches -- Popular Mechanics