China is significantly lagging behind SpaceX in deploying its satellite networks, with less than 1 percent of planned satellites operational due to engineering challenges and a lack of reusable rocket technology. Despite ambitious goals for its megaconstellations, China's progress is hindered by technical setbacks and potential regulatory issues regarding frequency allocations. Experts suggest that while challenges remain, technological breakthroughs could alter the competitive landscape in the near future.

SpaceX has achieved its 500th landing of a Falcon 9 first stage booster and is on track to reach its 500th re-flight later this year. While other US companies are working to develop reusable rockets, it will take years for them to match SpaceX's current capabilities, which US Space Force officials view as a strategic advantage over China in the emerging space competition. China has launched numerous rockets this year but lacks the reusability that significantly enhances US launch capabilities.