SpaceX Stops Accepting Falcon 9 Orders Beyond 2028
SpaceX has begun rejecting some satellite operator orders for dedicated Falcon 9 rocket launches after 2028. The move indicates an accelerating pivot toward the company's yet-to-be-commercialized Starship rocket.
SpaceX has started to decline some orders from satellite operators seeking dedicated launches with the Falcon 9 rocket scheduled after 2028, according to reports. This shift signifies the company's accelerated pivot towards its Starship rocket, which has not yet entered commercial operation.
Sources indicate that SpaceX has also halted the production of certain non-reusable components for its Falcon series rockets, including large structures for the Falcon 9's second stage. The company is no longer accepting new bookings for Falcon 9 rideshare services either.
While SpaceX may continue to utilize Falcon 9 for select missions for the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA, the overall move suggests a strategic realignment. The company has not provided a specific timeline for phasing out Falcon 9, but 2028 could mark a significant turning point for its launch business.
The Starship rocket remains in its testing phase, having faced multiple failures and delays. A successful commercial rollout of Starship by 2028 is crucial. If this timeline falters and Falcon 9 operations are reduced, it could place increased pressure on other aerospace firms reliant on SpaceX's launch capabilities, considering the already constrained global supply of heavy-lift rockets.