SpaceX’s satellite ambitions squeeze out rivals reliant on its rockets

Reuters reports that SpaceX is increasingly reserving Falcon 9 launch capacity for its own Starlink constellation, reducing access for rival satellite and spacecraft companies. Starlink launches have grown from 54% of Falcon 9 missions in 2020 to about 79% in 2026, and some customers say Falcon 9 is fully booked through 2028 or 2029. The shift reflects SpaceX’s economics: Starlink generated $11.4 billion in 2025 revenue versus $4.1 billion from space and launch, making internal satellite deployment more attractive than third-party launches. The article suggests this could raise barriers for smaller space firms, keep launch prices elevated, and further entrench SpaceX’s dominance while competitors like Rocket Lab, ULA, and Blue Origin struggle with development or reliability setbacks.