What Happened
Range Constraints and Spaceport Build-Outs to Test Industry Growth
The space industry is expected to face launch capacity bottlenecks by 2035, driven by constraints in range scheduling, payload processing, and licensing. According to recent data, FY2026 saw a decline in FAA-licensed launch activity, and Vandenberg’s inquiry into payload processing and storage highlights the need for infrastructure development. The European Commission’s extension of the SALTO reusable launcher project also suggests that operational reusable launch capability may not be achieved until the early 2030s. This forecast was first reported by Unknown Source.