SMALL LAUNCHERS
IS GOVERNMENT THE KEY TO SUCCESS?

Dozens of small launch vehicles have received initial private or public support that should lead to initial launches in the coming months, allowing these startups to join Rocket Lab in offering an operational service. How will they compete with the rideshare offers of SpaceX, Arianespace, GK Launch Services and ISRO? These larger rockets can presumably offer lower per-kilogram costs, and companies like Momentus are offering to carry rideshare customers to their precise intended orbits. In this context, will government customers be the key market for dedicated small rockets?