On February 24, 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This marked the company’s 18th launch of the year, continuing to expand its satellite internet network. Before this mission, SpaceX already had over 9,700 Starlink satellites in orbit, as tracked by expert Jonathan McDowell.
The Falcon 9 lifted off at 6:04 PM EST, after a favorable weather forecast with a 95% chance of clear skies. The rocket followed a south-easterly path, ensuring a smooth ascent into low Earth orbit.
About eight minutes later, the first stage booster successfully landed on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the 151st landing for that vessel and the 576th successful booster landing for SpaceX.
SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets, which help lower the costs of launching payloads. However, this efficiency hasn’t stopped them from increasing prices. The cost for a Falcon 9 launch to a geostationary transfer orbit is now $74 million, up from $70 million in 2025. Back in 2022, this price was $67 million, illustrating a consistent upward trend influenced by factors like inflation.
Experts in the space industry have noted that while reusable rockets are designed to cut costs, unexpected expenses often arise. According to Ars Technica, SpaceX’s internal costs for launching a reusable Falcon 9 are around $15 million. In comparison, Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket is expected to offer dedicated flights for about $55 million.
In the broader context of space launches, pricing can vary significantly. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, for example, which can carry up to 13 metric tons, is estimated at around $68 million per flight. NASA managed to launch its EscaPADE mission for only $20 million in November 2025, showcasing the risks and variable costs associated with new rocket technologies.
SpaceX continues to lead the market, but competitors are emerging. As the space industry evolves, keeping an eye on pricing trends and new launches can offer valuable insights. The push for more affordable space travel isn’t just economic; it’s an important factor in making space more accessible to all.
