SpaceX Continues to Dominate Global Rocket Launch Market
SpaceX continues to solidify its position as the leader in the global rocket launch market, with CEO Elon Musk projecting even greater market share in the coming years. A recent market share report revealed that SpaceX launched an impressive 88.5% of all satellites in Q2 2025, while also handling 86% of the total weight delivered to orbit worldwide. This dominance far surpassed that of China’s CASC, which came in second place in terms of launches by weight after SpaceX was excluded.
Elon Musk took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the report, stating that once SpaceX’s Starship is flying frequently with real payloads next year, the company will likely deliver over 95% of the total Earth payload to orbit. Musk went on to predict that by 2027, SpaceX’s market share could reach as high as 98%.
This timeline aligns with SpaceX’s plans to ramp up production of the Starship V3. The company is gearing up to begin heavy Starship flights in 2026, with the V3 model designed for higher performance and in-orbit refueling capabilities. One of the major milestones for SpaceX in the upcoming year will be the company’s first attempt to catch a returning Starship, a feat scheduled for 2026.
In preparation for the launch of the Starship V3, SpaceX has requested FAA clearance for trajectory changes. These adjustments will enable SpaceX to optimize launch and return profiles, paving the way for orbital refueling operations and future catch attempts.
With the Starship expected to carry significantly larger payloads than SpaceX’s Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rockets, it is poised to become the company’s primary vehicle for satellite launches and crewed missions. SpaceX’s Starship V4 is already in the works for a planned launch in 2027.
Elon Musk’s bold projections suggest that SpaceX could soon control as much as 95-98% of all mass delivered to orbit, marking a historic level of dominance in the realm of spaceflight. As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of space exploration.