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Competition, Procurement and Learning-By-Doing in the Space Launch Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Su, Ruibing
  • Yang, Chenyu
  • Sweeting, Andrew

Abstract

We estimate a dynamic model of the U.S. space launch industry. The model allows past launches to improve rocket reliability and lower launch costs. It also allows the government to make forward-looking procurement choices. We use the model to analyze policy-relevant issues in the recent history of the industry: the 2006 United Launch Alliance "merger-to-monopoly" and the effects of efficiencies in the form of learning synergies; innovations, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and ULA's recent introduction of Vulcan Centaur; the costs and benefits of forward-looking procurements; and, the trade-offs between the advantages of centralized control and possible inefficiencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Su, Ruibing & Yang, Chenyu & Sweeting, Andrew, 2026. "Competition, Procurement and Learning-By-Doing in the Space Launch Industry," CEPR Discussion Papers 21140, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21140
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP21140
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices

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