How Does Reusability Impact the Economics of Space Launch? Reusability is a well-known concept in our daily lives when discussing sustainability, ecosystem disaster prevention, and economic savings. When it comes to the space sector, specifically to the space launch sector, reusability, associated with lower costs, has always been a hot topic that many rocket companies have been addressing. Reusability is critical for the future of space activities and exploration as it opens to new perspectives and business models by reducing development and operational expenses while increasing launch frequency.
The Origins: Space Shuttle and Its Shortcomings
The concept of reusability first started with the advent of the Space Shuttle program; with just the orange external tank being disposed of at every launch, it is the first reusable space vehicle. The program aimed to make space access more frequent and affordable without compromising safety, utility, and operational standards. While it achieved notable milestones (e.g., scientific discoveries, ISS establishment, etc.), the program fell short of its primary objectives. The price ended up being $ 16,000/kg against its predicted cost of $ 555/kg, making it far more costly than non-reusable Launch vehicles such as Proton or Soyuz). Furthermore, the number of successful trips achieved was far below the intended.
The SpaceX Revolution: Falcon 9Â
After the end of the STS, SpaceX came to the forefront of developing reusable space vehicles. Falcon 9 is the only partially reusable space vehicle for humans, cargo, and small satellite transportation to LEO. Compared to the Shuttle, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is making space more achievable and affordable for space companies, research, and educational institutions. Space has never been this close.
When comparing reusable and non-reusable launch vehicles, one must consider the differences in development schedules. So How Does Reusability Impact the Economics of Space Launch? Reusable launch vehicles need more time spent looking for sustainable manufacturing techniques that guarantee their longevity and testing the technology through its lifecycle since they need to work multiple times. Additionally, reusability requires recurrent controls, maintenance, and repair between launches, which adds costs and complexity to research, development, and manufacturing. While the development of non-reusable vehicles is shorter due to their disposable nature, which does not require strict and numerous testing and efficient manufacturing processes, the long-term reusable vehicle benefits are way better in a quickly evolving market.
Economic Impact and Competitive Strategies
Reusability requires a more significant initial investment due to its nature, which compensates for its overall economic return in the long run for both providers and clients. The initial investment is in research and development. On this topic, it is essential for new incoming companies, such as RFA, to have a well-developed strategy that balances both technological innovation and financial feasibility. For this balance to happen and to be able to stay relevant and compete against other players in the market, creating strategic partnerships could be the solution that would help ease the costs for partners and share expertise by filling each other’s knowledge gaps (e.g., The recent acquisition of Intelsat by SES exemplifies cooperation in response to Starlink’s fierce competition and disruption of the market).
In this competitive market, where big companies like SpaceX provide cheap solutions in short periods, small companies must differentiate themselves by providing unique solutions to their potential clients. For example, while SpaceX mainly caters to commercial customers, European launch providers should focus on delivering more tailored, customer-centric services. See also https://scienceandaerospace.blog/the-space-economy-and-blockchain/
Another important factor to consider, particularly in Europe, is the legal and policy hurdles that could slow down the adoption and economy of scale of reusable launch systems. The lack of a unified regulatory framework for space activities could delay the licensing approval process, which is critical for developing reusable launch systems, as these systems need frequent launch tests. At the same time, companies play important roles in shaping policies: they can focus on building close relationships with regulators, demonstrating the reliability and benefits of reusable systems, and advocating for policies to facilitate growth.
The Shift In The Economics Of Space Exploration
The rise of reusability in space launch systems represents an essential shift in the economics of space exploration. While initial investments and development challenges may be higher for reusable vehicles, the long-term benefits (e.g., reduced costs, increased launches, and new business opportunities). Companies like SpaceX have shown the potential of reusability to make space more accessible, and this trend will continue as more players enter the market. However, challenges such as legal and regulatory obstacles and the need for strategic partnerships remain critical factors influencing the success of reusability in the space sector. By navigating these complexities and focusing on innovation and customer-centric solutions, companies can thrive in this evolving landscape and contribute to a more suitable and economically viable future for space exploration.
