Global orbital launches hit record high in 2025

Worldwide orbital launch activity reached a new record in 2025 with 324 launches, a 25% increase over 2024, driven largely by SpaceX and China. SpaceX alone conducted 165 Falcon 9 missions, more than all other countries combined, while China carried out 92 launches, together accounting for 88% of global activity.

Growth may slow after 2025 as Falcon 9 launches are expected to peak and SpaceX gradually transitions missions to Starship, which is slated to begin orbital flights in 2026. Future launch growth will likely depend on the successful ramp-up of new vehicles such as Starship, Ariane 6, New Glenn, Vulcan, and several emerging rockets from the US, Europe, and China.

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