Our annual power ranking of US rocket companies has changes near the top and bottom
Ars Technica••general
Key Points:
- SpaceX maintained its top position in 2025 with 165 launches, delivering over 1 million tons to orbit and supporting the ISS, despite setbacks with Starship upper stage failures and a catastrophic Block 3 booster test.
- Blue Origin rose to second place after successful New Glenn launches, including a Mars mission and a successful first-stage landing on a barge, alongside record New Shepard flights and progress on its Blue Moon lunar lander.
- Rocket Lab had a strong year with 18 flawless Electron launches and ongoing development of its Neutron vehicle, while also advancing spacecraft projects like the ESCAPADE Mars mission.
- United Launch Alliance struggled with only six launches in 2025, including a single Vulcan flight hindered by booster investigations,
