Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke Feb. 2, 2026, at Blue Origin's rocket factory in Florida, alongside the company's founder Jeff Bezos. Credit: DoW livestream

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a visit to Blue Origin’s Florida rocket factory to sharpen the Trump administration’s message that the Pentagon intends to favor faster, commercially driven innovation — and hold traditional defense contractors to account for what officials say has been years of missed schedules and misaligned incentives.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...