# Satellite Launching Services SpaceX Will Now Offer Rocket a Rideshare Program for Satellites By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-08-07 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-rideshare References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/5/20755172/spacex-smallsat-rideshare-program-falcon-9-rocket-tiny-satellites) & [spacex](https://www.spacex.com/) [SpaceX](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-directtocell-program) will launch a rocket rideshare program for small size satellites. This would enable third-party companies to enter an agreement to launch a satellite on a SpaceX [Falcon 9](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-telescope-design) rocket. The program is called the SmallSat Rideshare Program. Companies can access the rocket rideshare program for an approximate cost of $2.25 million for a satellite weighing in at under 330 pounds. Heavier satellites, which weigh up to 660 pounds, will cost $4.5 million. The first SpaceX rideshare missions will be scheduled for November of 2020 and March of 2021. Rocket rideshares are becoming a more common practice as satellite technology continues to shrink in size. This makes satellites easier to put into orbit and cheaper for companies to purchase. Image Credit: SpaceX ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Rocket Rideshare Program:** The rise of rocket rideshare programs is disrupting the satellite industry, allowing small companies to enter the space race at a lower cost. - **Smallsat Technology:** The trend towards smaller, lighter satellites is creating new opportunities in space technology for startups and established companies alike. - **Commercial Space Launches:** The growing demand for commercial space launches is driving innovation in rocket and satellite technology, creating new business opportunities for those in the industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Satellite Industry:** The rise of rocket rideshare programs and small satellite technology is disrupting the traditional satellite industry and creating new opportunities for startups and established companies. - **Space Technology:** The trend towards smaller, lighter satellites is driving innovation in space technology and creating new opportunities for companies in the aerospace sector. - **Rocket Launch Industry:** The growing demand for commercial space launches is creating new business opportunities for companies in the rocket launch industry, particularly as rocket rideshare programs become more popular. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Satellite Connectivity Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-directtocell-program.md) - [Personal Internet Satellite Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starlink.md) - [Off-Grid Satellite Connectivity Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starlink-rv.md) - [Satellite Internet Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex.md) - [IoT Space Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isar-aerospace.md) - [Satellite-Powered Telecom Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tmobile-tsatellite.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [Space Tourism Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-perspective-1.md) - [Far-Reaching Internet Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starlink1.md)