Midyear: Blue Origin Packs Seats, SpaceX Controls Cash
Passenger segments reveal who pays and why it matters
Passenger revenue in commercial space travel is surging year-over-year, but all of the gains are concentrated in just two companies. In the first half of 2025, SpaceX grew its already dominant orbital revenue base by $300 million, while Blue Origin quadrupled its suborbital passenger count after expanding its fleet. Together, they account for 100% of the sector’s commercial passenger revenue in the first half of 2025.
Industry growth came despite Boeing and Virgin Galactic recording no flights or passengers in the first half of 2025, widening the gap between active operators and those on pause.
Some of the most revealing insights in our mid-year wrap with the full picture in the charts below:
Two-thirds of SpaceX’s passenger revenue comes from outside NASA’s Commercial Crew Program providing revenue diversification.
An estimated one-third of Blue Origin passengers flew without paying themselves, as invited guests, grant recipients, or contest winners.
North America accounts for nearly 70% of all commercial space passengers. Learn how the rest of the world divides the remaining 30%.
