Ever wondered what it costs to send a piece of metal into space? Well, if you’re picturing a SpaceX rocket, you’re in for a real treat! And the cost of a SpaceX rocket may come as a mild shock. SpaceX, the love child of Elon Musk, has been making huge waves in the space race. Just this month, the FAA closed its SpaceX Starship probe. This was due to the dramatic SpaceX Starship explosion from Flight 7. The Starship’s investigation by the FAA wrapped up with a nod to a few safety tweaks. But let’s ditch the FAA SpaceX Starship news for now and dive into what you should know. How much does a SpaceX rocket cost?
Making our way into space is no cheap affair. SpaceX rockets cost quite a bit to produce, but they offer a better alternative to NASA’s plans.
How Much Does a SpaceX Rocket Cost to Build?
Spoiler alert: It’s cheaper compared to NASA’s launches. With the Starship investigation closure behind us and the FAA’s Starship safety check done, we can move on to the real deal.
The Cost of Falcon 9 per Launch
The Falcon 9, SpaceX’s most-revered rocket, costs $67 million per launch. That’s the Falcon 9 launch cost straight from SpaceX. However, it is worth noting that prices increased from $62 million in 2022 due to inflation.
As for the SpaceX launch price, you get a reusable rocket that can hoist up to 22,800 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). So, how much money does it cost to launch Falcon 9? Technically, it’s a steal compared to the old days of space travel.
SpaceX saves by using reusable rockets. When those boosters land back on Earth, they cut costs that once made the space race a billionaire’s playground. We’re looking at you, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson.
Are SpaceX Rockets Cheaper than NASA?
You bet they are! NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) is a titan, but it comes with a beastly price tag. That’s over $2 billion per launch. It’s no wonder SpaceX’s rockets come as a bargain.
SpaceX has reduced travel costs, and it’s how they’re winning the space race. Falcon 9’s price per pound to orbit is roughly $2,700, while NASA’s SLS is a whopping $70,000. Even the recent SpaceX Fram 2 million launch cost roughly $120 to $150 million. SpaceX has managed to look quite thrifty next to NASA’s budget busters.
Starship, the Future Is in the Money
Then there’s Starship, SpaceX’s shiny new toy. While it’s still in its teenage phase, SpaceX claims that a fully reusable Starship could come to $2 to $10 million per launch. Let’s assume that it goes as high as $50 million, and even then, it would undercut competitors.
The SpaceX vehicle damage report from Flight 7’s fireworks aside, the potential savings are huge. Imagine launching 150 tons into the orbit for less than a Fast and Furious movie.
Why SpaceX Wins the Price War, Too
SpaceX has aced the vertical integration and reusability game. They build everything in-house, unlike NASA. Falcon 9’s $67 million cost is a huge steal. While it’s pocket change for NASA, Starship’s promises are much bigger. It’s more than the cost of SpaceX rocket launches. So, next time you’re wondering how much a SpaceX rocket costs, just know – it’s less than NASA’s lunch money.
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