Does anyone actually want to win the medium-lift race in the United States?
Summary
The United States has not introduced a new medium-lift rocket in 13 years since the Antares rocket debuted. Several new medium-lift rockets are being developed with modern designs and U.S.-built engines, aiming to replace the soon-to-be unavailable SpaceX Falcon 9 for satellite launches between 2027 and 2030.Key Facts
- The Antares rocket was the last new medium-lift rocket in the U.S., first launched 13 years ago.
- Antares used old Soviet-era engines and a Ukrainian core stage, and suffered a notable explosion in 2014.
- Medium-lift rockets can carry between 2 and 20 metric tons to space.
- New rockets under development have engines made in the U.S. by their own manufacturers.
- SpaceX will stop selling Falcon 9 launches after 2028, creating uncertainty in the launch market.
- Larger rockets like Vulcan and New Glenn are expensive and booked up for small to medium satellites.
- Stoke Space is developing the Nova rocket, targeting a launch around mid-2027 with a fully reusable design.
- Launch customers are uncertain about booking flights for 2027-2030 due to unclear availability of new rockets.
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