Abstract:
Reporters Micah Medenberg and Becky Peterson reported that SpaceX is gradually retiring the Falcon 9 rocket, the world's most frequently launched rocket, and concentrating resources on developing a new generation of starships. This makes it increasingly difficult for satellites and spacecraft to find launch opportunities. According to people familiar with the matter, SpaceX has stopped taking orders for Falcon 9 ride-sharing launches where multiple companies share space on the rocket. Some companies have been unable to obtain launch seats for Falcon 9 after 2028. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment.
July 14, 2026 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sunday.
As the Falcon 9 is phased out, demand for space launches will exceed launch supply at least until the end of this decade, government and industry officials say. A large number of national security mission satellites are being developed; companies need rocket-mounted equipment for remote sensing imaging of the Earth, delivering cargo to the lunar surface, and providing Internet access; many start-up companies are also developing various products such as orbital data centers and on-orbit power supply systems.
Rival rocket operators are trying to fill the supply gap, but it is difficult to immediately ease the launch tension. Increasing the frequency of rocket launches takes time, and it is normal to encounter setbacks during the research and development process.
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