SpaceX · USA
NASA / Boeing · USA
| Falcon 9 | Metric | SLS Block 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 22,800 kg | Payload to LEO | +317%95,000 kg |
| 8,300 kg | Payload to GTO | +225%27,000 kg |
| 70 m | Height | +40%98.1 m |
| ~$2,720/kg+1371% | Cost per kg | ~$40,000+/kg |
| 99.5% | Success Rate | +1%100% |
| 2010+1% | First Flight | 2022 |
| Yes | Reusable | No |
| SpaceX | Company | NASA / Boeing |
| USA | Country | USA |
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — relative scale
Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
3
Falcon 9 wins
0
Tied
4
SLS Block 1 wins
SLS Block 1 delivers 317% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Falcon 9 is more cost-effective at ~$2,720/kg vs ~$40,000+/kg.
SLS Block 1 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, SLS Block 1 wins on more metrics (4 vs 3), though each rocket is designed for different mission profiles.