Who's on Top in the US Rocket Race?

The US rocket scene is heating up, and 2025 was a wild year for these companies. SpaceX is still the big boss, launching a whopping 165 rockets. They're like the reliable friend who always shows up, keeping the International Space Station stocked and running smoothly. But their giant Starship had some hiccups, with a few failed launches and a big explosion during a test. Oops! Blue Origin is the big mover and shaker, jumping to second place. They finally proved they can deliver, sending Katy Perry to space and sticking a rocket landing on a barge. Not too shabby! They also sent a couple of spacecraft to Mars and built a bunch of rocket engines. Looks like Jeff Bezos' company is finally living up to the hype. Rocket Lab is steady as ever, launching 18 rockets without a single failure. They're also building spacecraft and helping out other companies. United Launch Alliance had a rough year, only launching six rockets. Their new Vulcan rocket is supposed to be a game-changer, but it only flew once. And guess what? Their CEO jumped ship to Blue Origin. Talk about drama!Northrop Grumman had a decent year, launching one rocket and testing a new spacecraft. Firefly started strong with a Moon landing but ended badly with a rocket explosion. Stoke Space and Relativity Space are still working on their first rockets, but they've got plenty of money to keep going. Astra is also developing a new rocket, but it might not fly until 2027. Phantom Space and Vaya Space are the new kids on the block, but they're still a long way from launching anything. They're sharing a launchpad, so let's hope they don't crash into each other—literally. It's a tough business, but these companies are pushing the limits of what's possible. They're not just launching rockets; they're sending people to space, exploring Mars, and even landing on the Moon. It's not just about the money or the tech; it's about the grit and determination to make it happen. So here's to the rocket companies—may the best one win!