Rivals are rising to challenge the dominance of SpaceX
1 min read
Summary
SpaceX has dominated the space industry in the last decade, accounting for 87% of the US’ orbital launches in 2024, however, a number of competitors are beginning to catch up.
Companies such as Rocket Lab and Blue Origin are preparing to take on SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 with their own rockets.
Blue Origin completed its first mission of a rocket it hopes will compete against SpaceX’s Starship.
European Space Agency is also set to attempt its first commercial orbital launch in an attempt to lessen Europe’s reliance on SpaceX.
SpaceX’s significant head start and ties to the Trump administration however may make it difficult for the newer companies to compete.
In spite of this, more companies competing in the space industry could be a good thing for innovation and preventing future bottlenecks.