A rideshare launch allows multiple satellite operators to share the capacity of a single rocket, splitting the launch cost proportionally. SpaceX's Transporter missions have become the dominant rideshare service, deploying over 100 small satellites per mission into sun-synchronous orbit at prices starting around $5,000 per kilogram. This has been transformative for startups and small constellation operators who cannot justify a dedicated launch.
The rideshare model works best when payloads share compatible orbital destinations. For payloads needing specific orbits, orbital transfer vehicles from companies like Impulse Space, Momentus, and D-Orbit can carry satellites from the rideshare drop-off orbit to their precise final destination, creating a "last mile delivery" service for space.