Space Force scrambles as Elon Musk's SpaceX retires its major rocket
Other rocket-makers have faced delays getting their vehicles up and running, leaving the Pentagon in a bind.
The US Space Force is facing a growing challenge as Elon Musk's SpaceX phases out its popular Falcon 9 rocket in favor of the larger Starship rocket. According to POLITICO, this shift could jeopardize the Space Force's ability to launch military satellites, a concern heightened by the Pentagon's heavy reliance on SpaceX. SpaceX holds a dominant position in the rocket industry, accounting for 85% of US launches in 2025, and its decision-making can impact the security of countries, including the United States.
The Space Force has been unable to secure rides for three future satellite missions from SpaceX, leaving them in a launch crunch. While the Space Force is open to eventually using SpaceX's Starship, there are engineering hurdles to overcome, as Starship is designed for flat stack satellites, unlike most military satellites. Alternatives such as Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, and Blue Origin are working on medium-lift rockets, but none has yet demonstrated reliable and frequent launches. The Space Force remains optimistic that new providers will fill the gap in time.
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