SpaceX formally identified its next-generation Starship rocket as a primary business risk in its S-1 filing. The company's growth strategy depends on achieving full and rapid reusability for the vehicle.
Research and development spending on Starship reached $3 billion in 2025. SpaceX invested an additional $930 million in the program during the first quarter of 2026.
Program delays could jeopardize the deployment of next-generation Starlink satellites. These satellites are currently too large for the existing Falcon rocket fleet.