In 2025, the world saw a remarkable surge in orbital launch attempts, reaching a record of 324. This is a 25% increase from 2024’s 259 attempts. The growth is largely credited to SpaceX and China’s launch providers.
SpaceX alone conducted 165 Falcon 9 missions in 2025, outpacing all other nations combined. China followed with 92 launches, powered by numerous state and private enterprises. Together, the U.S. and China accounted for a staggering 88% of all global launches.
This boom in launches isn’t just a flash in the pan. In 2020, the total number of launches was just 107, split between 26 by SpaceX and 35 by Chinese operators. The rise in 2025 shows the rapid evolution of the space industry.
Looking ahead, experts predict different challenges for maintaining this growth. In a recent conference, SpaceX’s vice president, Stephanie Bednarek, suggested that 2025 and 2026 might be the peak years for Falcon 9 launches. After that, SpaceX plans to shift many missions to their upcoming Starship, which aims to carry larger payloads, including the next generation of Starlink satellites.
China is expected to sustain its launch momentum into 2026, with new vehicles entering the fray to support ambitious satellite projects. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing for its first orbital launches of Starship, although forecasts for Falcon 9 missions in 2026 remain unclear after the company scaled down its previous launch targets.
Other rocket systems, like Arianespace’s Ariane 6 and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan, may step in to fill any gaps left by a slowing Falcon program. However, these new entrants were responsible for a mere seven launches collectively in 2025. New rockets, such as Rocket Lab’s Neutron and others from various countries, will also attempt first flights in 2026. Historically, new launch vehicles have varied in success, often taking years to establish a steady rate of launches.
This evolving landscape of space exploration reflects not only technological advancements but also shifting priorities in the industry. As we enter this new chapter, the future remains uncertain but exciting, with ongoing developments in both established and emerging space players.
For more on the growth of the space industry, check out this detailed report.
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