SpaceX · USA
ULA · USA
| Falcon Heavy | Metric | Atlas V |
|---|---|---|
| 63,800 kg+238% | Payload to LEO | 18,850 kg |
| 26,700 kg+200% | Payload to GTO | 8,900 kg |
| 70 m+20% | Height | 58.3 m |
| ~$1,400/kg | Cost per kg | +>100%N/A |
| 100% | Success Rate | 100% |
| 2018 | First Flight | +1%2002 |
| Yes | Reusable | No |
| SpaceX | Company | ULA |
| USA | Country | USA |
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — relative scale
Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
4
Falcon Heavy wins
1
Tied
2
Atlas V wins
Falcon Heavy delivers 238% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Falcon Heavy is reusable, which can significantly reduce long-term launch costs.
Overall, Falcon Heavy wins on more metrics (4 vs 2), though each rocket is designed for different mission profiles.