"SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket is not launching as often as it used to, reflecting the company's eagerness to shift focus to the much larger Starship rocket, which is essential for future missions to the Moon and Mars."
"SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell indicated that the company plans 'maybe 140, 145-ish' Falcon launches in 2026, suggesting a gradual reduction in Falcon 9 launches as Starship comes online."
"The changes are most apparent at Cape Canaveral, where SpaceX has launched the majority of its rockets, with Falcon 9 launches decreasing as Launch Complex-39A is transitioned for Starship use."
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is experiencing a modest decline in launch frequency as the company prepares to focus on the larger Starship rocket. In 2022, SpaceX conducted 165 Falcon 9 launches, but plans to reduce this to around 140 in 2026. The transition is evident at Cape Canaveral, where Falcon 9 launches are decreasing as SpaceX prepares Launch Complex-39A for Starship missions. The Falcon Heavy will still see occasional launches, but the overall trend indicates a shift in SpaceX's launch strategy towards future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Read at Ars Technica
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