Probably because they went around the moon which is perceived as not for profit endeavour to further humanity, unlike SpaceX polluting space with its outrageous satellites. I'm aware that SLS is just a jobs programme, but despite that the whole premise of Artemis is a little more visionary.

artemis (boeing)

Just for the clarity of the record:

• the 1st stage tank of the SLS rocket is Boeing
• the 2nd stage is ULA (a joint Boeing/Lockheed company)
• the 1st and 2nd stage engines are Aerojet Rockdyne (which is now a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies)
• the solid rocket boosters on the side are Northrop Grumman
• the service module is Airbus Defense and Space along with Thales
• the capsule is Lockheed

So you've got four giant American defense contractors, and two European defense contractors owned by French, German, Spain, and Italy.

Maybe the communal part is the community of western defense contractors.

The question is why do you think spacex is an equal or greater communal effort.

Comparing accomplishments is the outcome, not the effort, therefore not the communal effort.