How does SpaceX's development culture contrast with traditional aerospace contractors for NASA?

Accepting higher initial risk for faster iteration and eventual long-term efficiency.

SpaceX operates with a mentality more akin to a venture-backed tech company, which contrasts sharply with the traditional government procurement approach. While traditional government contracting often prioritizes meticulous, risk-averse design reviews over speed, leading to significant delays and cost overruns, SpaceX accepts higher initial risks during development. This acceptance of risk, often involving public testing and learning from failures such as early Raptor engine tests or Starship prototypes, drives innovation at a rate that government-managed programs have historically struggled to match, ultimately aiming for faster iteration and greater long-term efficiency.