SpaceX Plans to Phase Out Falcon 9 Rocket, Raising Concerns Over Launch Gaps

At a glance

SpaceX plans to gradually reduce operations of its main rocket, the Falcon 9, within the next few years. The Starship, its successor, has not yet been fully proven reliable. This has raised concerns that launch schedules for space agencies and companies that have relied on the Falcon 9 could be disrupted.

Key points

1. 1

   The Falcon 9 first launched in 2010, and in 2025 it accounted for 85% of all launches in the United States.

2. 2

   SpaceX intends to focus on Starship, a giant rocket designed for full reusability.

3. 3

   Many of Starship's reusable test flights so far have ended in explosions, so its operational viability remains uncertain.

4. 4

   The U.S. Space Force has requested launch capacity from 2028 onward, but SpaceX has so far turned those requests down.

Why it matters

Because one company's rockets have handled most U.S. space launches, this change could affect space exploration and satellite launches in general.