Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space Industry (New Space)  

Study finds space launch costs down 96% since 1960; projects another steep drop by 2040

A new study says rocket launch costs have fallen 96% over the past six decades and could drop by nearly as much by 2040. The findings highlight how continued progress in launch technology, operations, and market structure may further compress unit economics for accessing space.

Discovered 2026-07-20T06:07:25.812781-07:00 | 2026-07-20T06:07:25.812781-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Launch providers’ pricing power and investor economics hinge on unit cost trajectories; this cluster quantifies a 96% decline since 1960 and projects another large step down by 2040.
  • Lower launch costs are directly relevant to satellite procurement planning and frequency of space missions—especially for markets that depend on frequent launches rather than one-off deployments.
  • The study’s long-range outlook offers an evidence-based reference point for capacity, contracting, and business-model assumptions across the commercial space sector.

Reported By

Space.com
Sources Tracked
1
First Seen
2026-07-20T06:07:25.812781-07:00
Latest Update
2026-07-20T06:07:25.812781-07:00
Coverage
Space

Sources

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