In a resounding triumph, the United States, propelled by SpaceX, once again asserted its dominance in the global space launch market, completing a staggering 107 orbital flights in 2023. This remarkable achievement places the US far ahead of other countries in this strategically vital sector.
SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, executed an impressive 96 launches throughout the year using its Falcon 9 rocket, maintaining a pace of nearly two launches per week. The primary objective was the ongoing deployment of the Starlink satellite internet constellation, solidifying SpaceX’s foothold in space-based communication.
Additionally, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon Heavy, carrying the military space drone X-37B into orbit. Two tests of its super-heavy-lift launcher, Starship, were conducted, although both ended in explosions. The ship is slated for use in the Artemis missions to the Moon.
Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX’s Vice President, expressed ambitious plans for the upcoming year, aiming to increase the number of flights to approximately 12 per month, totaling 144 flights in the year.
While the US continues its space exploration dominance, China has rapidly expanded its space activities, conducting 67 launches in 2023, compared to 64 in the previous year. China’s Long March rocket alone accounted for 47 launches, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Russia conducted 19 launches, with 17 using the Soyuz rocket for government, military, and Progress spacecraft missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Despite facing a launcher crisis, Europe managed three launches in 2023, with plans to regain autonomous access to space through the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 in mid-June and Vega-C later in the year.
India’s ISRO launched GSLV, PSLV, and SSLV rockets seven times in 2023, and the agency marked the beginning of 2024 with the successful launch of a PSLV rocket carrying a scientific satellite.
Japan, facing challenges, conducted three launches in 2023, and despite a setback with the H-3 heavy launcher, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to make a new attempt on February 15.