WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is confronting a potential squeeze on military satellite launches as SpaceX prepares to phase out its Falcon 9 rocket in favor of Starship, a transition that could expose the Pentagon’s dependence on a single dominant provider. SpaceX accounted for 85% of U.S. launches in 2025, according to the reported figures. The company says Starship will be more efficient and profitable, but many military satellites were not designed to fit the much larger vehicle. That could complicate plans to put advanced defense systems into orbit on schedule. The Space Force has few alternatives ready to take over the work. Other rocket companies have encountered delays developing their vehicles, and competitors may be years away from offering comparable launch services. “Everybody’s having problems, so the Space Force is freaking out a little bit about launch,” a former Space Force official said, describing the concern around the sensitive issue. The challenge underscores the risks of relying heavily on one commercial company for a core national-security capability. If Falcon 9 flights are reduced before other launch providers can reliably fill the gap—or before military satellites can use Starship—the Pentagon could face delays in deploying critical equipment. No specific launch interruption or replacement timetable was detailed.