The deal is the latest example of SpaceX's growing influence in the space sector. The company is aggressive and ambitious, fuelled by a billionaire set on colonizing Mars. There have been setbacks -- a Falcon 9 exploded in Cape Canaveral in September -- but overall, SpaceX is making progress. The rocket manufacturer is handling resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and is currently developing a manned version of its Dragon spacecraft. Back in January, the company delivered the ocean-scanning Jason-3 satellite for NASA and a few other scientific agencies; next year, it should be launching the planet seeking TESS satellite.

In a tweet, SpaceX said: "We appreciate NASA's support and confidence."