SpaceX Is Changing: Here's What You Need to Know
Key PointsSpaceX plans to slow its launch cadence this year as it retires the Falcon 9.
In 2025, SpaceX marked a new record by launching 165 orbital missions and conducting five test flights of the Starship megarocket, a significant increase from 138 launches in 2024. However, the company might launch fewer than 140 times in 2026, potentially fewer than in 2024. SpaceX aims to slow its launch pace in 2027, retiring the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Crew Dragon spacecraft, while focusing on the Starship.
Despite this shift, Starship remains the only launch vehicle big enough to carry Starlink V3 satellites. Starlink, which generates nearly $13.9 billion in annual revenue, has become SpaceX's most profitable business. The Starlink V3 satellites will increase the constellation's bandwidth by a factor of 100, potentially generating nearly $140 billion in annual revenue for SpaceX.
SpaceX is eyeing Starlink as a major mobile carrier in the U.S., competing with Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. The company recently secured $8 billion in cellular spectrum licenses and plans to launch 15,000 direct-to-cell communications satellites. While AI may be SpaceX's biggest long-term bet, Starlink currently drives the most revenue for the company.
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