The government didn't hand over that money for free, they paid it in return of goods / services (such as NASA launches).
If you have a company that makes bridges and the government hires you to make a bridge is that also a handout?
If you have a company that makes bridges and the government hires you to make a bridge is that also a handout?
Only the company that did better work for less is guilty of being a grifter. /s