SpaceX has a monopoly — but that’s not a problem

SpaceX has launched approximately 80% or more of the world’s total payload mass to orbit in recent years, especially since 2023. In 2025 alone, the company delivered over 2,200 tons, accounting for more than 80% of global orbital mass, driven by high launch cadence and Starlink missions. SpaceX’s S-1 IPO prospectus explicitly states: “Since 2023, we have launched more than 80% of mass to orbit for the world each year” with a mission success rate above 99%. This dominance highlights SpaceX’s leading position in the global launch market.

As early as 2023, the distinguished space expert Jeff Foust highlighted this in an article in SpaceNews titled “The Accidental Monopoly: How SpaceX became (just about) the only Game in Town.”