SpaceX, Elon Musk‘s ambitious rocket and spacecraft company, is not short on funds. Valued at a staggering $180 billion, it stands as one of the most prominent and innovative entities in the space industry. However, its financial interactions with contractors and service providers in South and Central Texas tell a different story—one marked by frustration and unpaid bills.

Since 2019, builders and suppliers working with SpaceX have struggled to receive timely payments, resulting in numerous liens filed against the company. According to a Reuters report, more than two dozen companies have filed 72 liens against SpaceX, with 41 of these filed just this year, totaling over $2.5 million in unpaid invoices.

Liens are a legal recourse for creditors to secure claims on a debtor’s property when payments are overdue. In Texas, if construction bills remain unpaid, landowners can be held accountable. This legal mechanism forces companies like SpaceX to settle their debts or risk complications in future property transactions.

For some creditors, this strategy has worked, compelling SpaceX to clear outstanding dues. However, many liens remain unresolved, likely because they become pressing only when the property in question is put up for sale, necessitating payment to clear the title.

Despite these financial disputes, SpaceX continues its extensive development projects in Texas. The company is investing in new infrastructure, including office spaces, recreational facilities, retail shops, and restaurants in Brownsville, near its launch sites. Additionally, SpaceX is negotiating a land swap deal with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, indicating its long-term commitment to the area.

Nevertheless, the company’s delayed payments have strained relationships with local businesses. Brian Rozelle, an owner of Houston-based Hydroz Energy Services, shared his frustration with Reuters. His company had cleared storm drains at a SpaceX facility and waited months for payment on a $19,000 invoice. After filing a lien, SpaceX eventually paid the bill, but the delay left a sour taste. “If SpaceX called today, I’d tell them to f–k off,” Rozelle remarked, reflecting a sentiment echoed by other contractors.

Hydroz Energy Services is not alone in its grievances. Companies like CMC Construction Services and Osburn Contractors, among both small and large businesses, have also filed liens against SpaceX due to unpaid invoices. This pattern of behavior is not unprecedented for a Musk-led enterprise. After acquiring Twitter (now rebranded as X) in 2022, Musk faced numerous lawsuits from contractors over unpaid bills, many of which have since been settled.

Despite the financial turmoil with its service providers, SpaceX’s operational momentum shows no signs of slowing. The company is preparing for an upcoming Starship flight test from Boca Chica and recently launched a series of Starlink satellites from Florida, continuing its pioneering efforts in space exploration and communication technology.