SpaceX will stop accepting new Falcon 9 launch reservations for missions scheduled after 2028, a move that signals the company is shifting its long-term focus from its workhorse rocket to the next-generation Starship. The decision, confirmed by the company, is expected to hit small satellite operators hardest, as they have relied on Falcon 9 for affordable and reliable rideshare launches.
Why the shift?
SpaceX is prioritizing Starship development over Falcon 9 for future launches. The Falcon 9 has been the backbone of SpaceX's launch business for over a decade, but the company now sees Starship as its primary vehicle for the coming years. By closing the booking window for Falcon 9 beyond 2028, SpaceX is effectively signaling that it will phase out the rocket once Starship is fully operational.
Impact on small satellite operators
Small satellite operators, many of whom depend on SpaceX's rideshare program to get their payloads into orbit at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch, will be the most affected. Without Falcon 9 availability after 2028, these companies will need to find alternative launch providers or wait for Starship to become available for smaller payloads. Starship is designed to carry much larger loads, and its cost per kilogram is expected to be lower, but it may not offer the same flexibility for small satellites.
SpaceX has been testing Starship prototypes in Texas, with the goal of eventually using the fully reusable rocket for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company has not yet announced a specific timeline for when Starship will begin commercial launches, but the decision to stop Falcon 9 bookings beyond 2028 suggests that SpaceX expects Starship to be ready for regular service by then. For now, Falcon 9 remains available for missions scheduled before 2029.
