US Targets 1000 Launches

The White House has set a target for the US to support more than 1000 launches and reentries annually by 2030. This goal is outlined in a new National Security Presidential Memorandum released on Thursday, which represents a significant increase in orbital launches over the next few years, with 193 orbital launches in the US in 2025.

Background

The new policy is described as a comprehensive approach to launch a golden age of space transportation. According to the policy, access to space is a vital national and economic security interest, and American space transportation capabilities underpin the global economy. The US must establish and maintain space transportation capabilities that ensure access to the full range of orbital regimes relevant to US interests.

The policy issues directives to government departments to improve space launch and reentry infrastructure, including identifying new launch and reentry sites and improvements to existing launch infrastructure. It also aims to expedite facility permitting and environmental reviews, and incentivize commercial investment and public-private partnerships for launch infrastructure.

Launch Market

Demand for launch is growing from both commercial and government sources, with signs that the launch market is constrained. SpaceX's Starship rocket is still not in commercial service, while new rockets such as United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur and Blue Origin's New Glenn have faced issues. Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket is yet to debut.

Reaction

The Satellite Industry Association has applauded the policy, recognizing that space is a national economic security priority. Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association, stated that the organization strongly supports the Administration's commitment to expanding launch capacity, improving infrastructure, streamlining regulation, and ensuring access to spectrum. The Space Force has also signaled growing demand for launch, with plans to launch approximately 500 satellite vehicles by the end of 2027. According to Space News, SpaceX is reportedly not accepting reservations for new rideshare missions past late 2028, and rideshare providers are now booking their own Falcon 9 rockets and selling capacity on their own. The policy repeals the National Space Transportation Policy put in place in 2013 by President Obama, and includes directives to strengthen the space transportation industrial base and update export policies and programs. The Space Force has increased the ceiling of Phase 3, Lane 1 National Security Space Launch contracts by $11.4 billion to $17 billion.