I booked the first used Falcon 9 booster. Where will satellite operators go when SpaceX retires it?

In 2016, a communications satellite owned by SES was placed on a Falcon 9 booster that had previously been launched, marking the first of its kind. The chief technology officer at SES, who oversaw six Falcon 9 launches during their tenure, believed in SpaceX's capability to deliver. However, SpaceX is shifting focus towards Starship, a larger rocket, and most remaining Falcon 9 slots up to 2030 are booked.

Operators who secure a booking with SpaceX before 2030 are fortunate, as those who do so later may face challenges. If a supplier calls just before launch due to a fault in a dependent component, operators may lose their place and have to pay a rebooking fee of 5% to 10%. Companies with satellites weighing 100 kg or less may be particularly vulnerable after 2030.

For a shared flight around Earth that passes near both poles, SpaceX charges $350,000 for the first 50 kg and $7,000 for each additional kg. Companies like K2 Space and ICEYE are exploring alternatives, such as using the Ariane 6 rocket from Arianespace or Blue Origin's New Glenn, but these options may not be available until 2033 or 2034.