A Cambridge study comparing 2025 space launch costs reports that India has the highest average cost among major space powers, at about $13,302 per kilogram. The study estimates the global average at $3,868 per kilogram, while the United States averages $3,225 per kilogram.
According to the same comparison, Japan averages $5,287 per kilogram, China $5,809, and Russia $6,682. Europe is reported at about $9,897 per kilogram. The Times of India highlights that cheaper launches in the US and Europe are associated with reusable-rocket approaches, particularly SpaceX’s, and says other countries often depend on foreign technology.
NDTV focuses on the cross-country cost figures themselves, while Times of India adds context about how reuse and domestic systems can affect pricing and autonomy. The outlets agree on India’s position as the costliest based on the study’s per-kilogram estimates for 2025.
