The battle between new and established space companies to develop larger and better launch vehicles is intensifying as the demand for orbital launches continues to rise globally. Keeping up with this fast-paced, highly regulated, and complex business can be challenging, but all the information you need to stay current is right here, along with links to further in-depth coverage.
For some background, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that SpaceX is the clear leader in launches, having carried out a record 96 launches in just the previous year. However, an increasing number of competitors have not been intimidated by its dominance, claiming that they can provide the market with much-needed supply and competitive pressure, which improves the sector as a whole. From currently operating vehicles to rockets that have not yet taken to the skies, we have examined the current state of the medium-, heavy-, and super-heavy lift rocket industry. This is a rather comprehensive perspective, even though we choose to leave out smaller launchers that are currently in development, such as ABL Space’s RS1 and Stoke Space’s Nova.
There will be fierce competition for newcomers right away, particularly in the heavy-lift division. Arianespace’s Ariane 6 and ULA’s Vulcan Centaur have already made their debuts this year, and more may follow before the year is over. Perhaps the United Launch Alliance’s most competitive rocket to date is Vulcan Centaur. Vulcan is less expensive than its predecessors, Atlas and Delta IV Heavy, and it may be set up in many ways to suit certain mission needs. However, it is still unclear if ULA, a joint venture between Lockheed and Boeing, would be able to compete on pricing in the long run.
