Despite SpaceX's dominance, new players in the rocket launch market are seeing a growing demand for alternative launch vehicles. However, to ensure competition and national security, companies are calling on the US government to increase funding and contract support for new launches.
Competition and prospects in the launch market:
- Startup companies see a lot of demand, even in the shadow of SpaceX.
- Government and commercial customers want guaranteed access to space through multiple providers.
- Relativity Space, Firefly Aerospace, Stoke Space declare, that the market is large enough for several competitors.
- Alpha missiles are in high demand (Firefly) and Terran R (Relativity) exceeds production capacity.
The role of government contracts in the development of startups:
- The main customer for the new missiles is the US government and national security programs.
- National Security Space Launch Program (NSSL) Phase 3 includes:
- Lane 1 – for new companies.
- Lane 2 – for already verified carriers.
- Industry representatives are calling on the government to speed up the admission of companies to Lane 1.
The need for investments in space mobility:
- In addition to launches, companies are calling for increased support for space logistics.
- Sierra Space proposes the use of Dream Chaser as a platform for mobility and transportation in space.
- The US is currently spending $25 million per year for space logistics, which is not enough for serious applications.
- In-orbit refueling investment required, transportation and return of goods.
Source: https://spacenews.com/emerging-launch-companies-see-strong-demand-but-look-for-government-support/