SpaceX · USA
ULA · USA
| Falcon 9 | Metric | Atlas V |
|---|---|---|
| 22,800 kg+21% | Payload to LEO | 18,850 kg |
| 8,300 kg | Payload to GTO | +7%8,900 kg |
| 70 m+20% | Height | 58.3 m |
| ~$2,720/kg | Cost per kg | +>100%N/A |
| 99.5% | Success Rate | +1%100% |
| 2010 | First Flight | +0%2002 |
| Yes | Reusable | No |
| SpaceX | Company | ULA |
| USA | Country | USA |
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — relative scale
Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
3
Falcon 9 wins
0
Tied
4
Atlas V wins
Falcon 9 delivers 21% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Atlas V has a higher success rate (100% vs 99.5%), indicating greater flight heritage.
Falcon 9 is reusable, which can significantly reduce long-term launch costs.
Overall, Atlas V wins on more metrics (4 vs 3), though each rocket is designed for different mission profiles.