The space agency has published its budget request to Congress which would see funding for science projects cut by nearly a half.

The worried reaction within space and national security agencies highlights the risks of government’s exclusive dependence on SpaceX for crucial tasks, including classified missions.

NASA and Pentagon officials moved swiftly this past week to urge competitors to Elon Musk's SpaceX to more quickly develop alternative rockets and spacecraft after US President Donald Trump threatened to cancel Space X's contracts and Musk's defiant response,