Emerging launch providers argue that despite the dominance of SpaceX, there is a growing demand for their services in the market. Executives from several companies, including Relativity Space and Firefly Aerospace, attended a panel at the Satellite 2025 conference to discuss opportunities and challenges.
The panelists emphasized the need for multiple providers to ensure assured access to space, citing concerns about national security applications and the risks associated with relying on a single dominant player. “From a national security space perspective, it’s really hard to be tactically responsive when you’re relying on one to two large launch providers,” said Scott Zweibel, vice president of government affairs at Stoke Space.
The companies are eyeing contracts and funding from the US government, particularly for national security applications. A near-term opportunity is the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract, which includes a “Lane 1” for new vehicles and a “Lane 2” for more established ones. Companies like Firefly Aerospace see this as an opportunity to gain assured access to space and compete with SpaceX.
The government’s commitment to supporting new launch providers is crucial, according to the panelists. Erik Daehler, vice president of defense, satellites and spacecraft systems at Sierra Space, emphasized the need for sufficient funding to demonstrate on-orbit refueling and mobility capabilities, as well as reentry systems.
While there have been setbacks in the small launch market, companies like Relativity Space are seeing significant demand for their larger launch vehicles. The US government’s investment in space mobility capabilities beyond launch is also seen as essential, with companies looking to offer integrated services such as last-mile logistics and space-based refueling.
Source: https://spacenews.com/emerging-launch-companies-see-strong-demand-but-look-for-government-support