The top graph is CNES's estimate of the average cost of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket based on the production capacity of the company's Hawthorne, Calif., facility (blue line) and the average cost when the company introduces reusable first stages but maintains an active production line (red line). The bottom graphic estimates the profit margin using expendable stages only (blue line) and with the mix of expendable and reused stages (red line). Maximum profitability can be reached at 33 launches per year with a mix of new and reused stages. Credit: CNES via satelliteobservation . . .
To view the entire article, become a subscriber!
