SpaceX · USA
NASA / Boeing · USA
| Falcon Heavy | Metric | SLS Block 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 63,800 kg | Payload to LEO | +49%95,000 kg |
| 26,700 kg | Payload to GTO | +1%27,000 kg |
| 70 m | Height | +40%98.1 m |
| ~$1,400/kg+2757% | Cost per kg | ~$40,000+/kg |
| 100% | Success Rate | 100% |
| 2018+0% | 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 Heavy wins
1
Tied
3
SLS Block 1 wins
SLS Block 1 delivers 49% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Falcon Heavy is more cost-effective at ~$1,400/kg vs ~$40,000+/kg.
Falcon Heavy is reusable, which can significantly reduce long-term launch costs.
It's a close matchup — both rockets trade wins across different metrics, each excelling in different areas.