Europe's Launch Dilemma: Reuse Gains Put Pressure on Domestic Rockets

New research shows SpaceX's Falcon 9, enabled by rapid reuse and high launch cadence, has reshaped the global market—US payload share surged to more than 82% in 2024, and per-kilogram costs dropped to about $3,225 in the US versus roughly $9,897 in Europe—leaving Europe between relying on cheaper American launches and more expensive, less scalable domestic options unless it develops modern reusable capabilities.