SpaceX's Dominance in Space Mirrors East India Company's Maritime Control
SpaceX's hold over orbit matches East India Company's grip on maritime trade

Image: Phys.org
A study reveals that SpaceX's market share in space launches, approximately 75% in 2025, parallels the East India Company's grip on maritime trade in the 1820s. This raises concerns about corporate dominance in strategic sectors, urging the U.S. government to take proactive measures to ensure competition and maintain national security.
- 01SpaceX controlled about 75% of global payloads sent to orbit in 2025, surpassing historical figures of the East India Company.
- 02The average launch cost decreased from $15,000 per kilogram in the early 2000s to $4,000 by 2025, largely due to SpaceX's reusable technology.
- 03SpaceX's market share jumped from below 10% in 2014 to nearly 80% by 2025, complicating market entry for competitors.
- 04The U.S. heavily relies on SpaceX for space access, with 94% of U.S. launches conducted by the company in the previous year.
- 05Experts warn that unchecked corporate power in space could mirror historical exploitation seen with colonial trading companies.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A recent study led by Dr. Alessio Terzi from the University of Cambridge draws parallels between SpaceX's dominance in the space economy and the East India Company's historical control over maritime trade. By 2025, SpaceX is projected to hold about 75% of the market share for space launches, exceeding the East India Company's 72% share during its peak in the 1820s. This unprecedented concentration of power raises concerns about corporate governance in strategic sectors. The study highlights how SpaceX has driven down launch costs from $15,000 to $4,000 per kilogram due to innovations in reusable technology, allowing it to capture nearly 80% of global payload launches by 2025. The U.S. government, reliant on SpaceX for its space access, faces a dilemma: intervening could hinder its competitive edge against China. The researchers urge the government to implement measures to foster competition and prevent corporate monopolies, drawing lessons from history to avoid repeating past mistakes. The study emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to ensure that the governance of space does not fall into the hands of a few powerful companies.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The dominance of SpaceX in the space launch market could affect national security and economic competition.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think the U.S. government should intervene in SpaceX's operations?
Connecting to poll...
More about University of Cambridge
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.








