SpaceX launch shortage spurs record $100 billion space investment spree

SpaceX stopped commercial rideshare bookings beyond late 2028, creating a launch bottleneck. Private space funding is on track to exceed $100 billion in 2026, with $92.5 billion invested in the first three quarters. Pure launch companies raised $7.8 billion. Notable deals include Stoke Space ($1B), Blue Origin ($10B), Rocket Lab's pending acquisition of Iridium, Amazon's pending acquisition of Globalstar, and SpaceX's acquisition of Mesh Optical.