Rocket launch costs have dropped 96% since 1960. How low can they go?

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the first Starfall demonstration mission on June 23, 2026.

The costs of space launch have fallen 96% in the past six decades and have the potential to plummet by nearly as much by 2040, a new study finds.

However, such an improvement might get hampered by a number of challenges, such as the rise of space debris in orbit or a single company monopolizing commercial space launch, researchers added.