SpaceX has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, solidifying its position as a leader in space exploration. The company not only broke its own records for launches in a single year but also made significant progress with Starship, its next-generation rocket.
SpaceX’s ambitious efforts in 2024 saw the company launching 131 orbital missions, surpassing its previous record of 98 launches in 2023. These launches accounted for more than half of the global total, highlighting SpaceX’s dominant role in the industry. The majority of these missions, 128 to be precise, were carried out by the Falcon 9, while two were executed by the Falcon Heavy.
The company’s next-generation Starship rocket also made notable strides with four suborbital test flights taking place in March, June, October, and November. These trials demonstrated improvement, as both key components—the Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage—successfully survived reentry on the last three flights. Notably, on October 13, the Super Heavy booster achieved a significant milestone by safely returning to its launch tower, which captured the booster using specialized retrieval arms in a manner evocative of science fiction.
Looking toward future missions, SpaceX’s progress with Starship is crucial because it is slated to serve as the crewed lander for NASA’s Artemis 3 moon mission, scheduled for mid-2027. Moreover, the company envisions Starship’s capabilities in power and reusability as essential for the potential colonization of Mars, aligning with Elon Musk’s long-term objectives.
Demonstrating its commitment to reusability, SpaceX pushed the boundaries further with its Falcon 9 rocket. On December 4, a mission marked the 24th flight of a particular Falcon 9 first stage, setting a new record for the company. While the Falcon 9’s upper stage remains expendable, the achievement underscores SpaceX’s continuous innovation in rocket technology.
The company’s Starlink satellite network also reached a significant milestone. Nearly 70% of this year’s Falcon 9 missions were dedicated to expanding the Starlink project, bringing the total number of satellites in low Earth orbit to over 6,800, including around 350 capable of providing direct connectivity to smartphones. This evolution in satellite technology promises enhanced internet access for remote areas, as emphasized by Musk via his social media platform, X.
In the political arena, Elon Musk’s influence has grown, particularly with his support for President-elect Donald Trump. Musk’s involvement in Trump’s campaign saw a substantial financial contribution and led to his appointment as co-leader of a new advisory committee focused on reducing regulations and government spending. This increased political clout brings both opportunities and ethical considerations for SpaceX, given its significant government contracts and interests.
SpaceX’s achievements in 2024 reflect its continued innovation and leadership in space exploration. The company’s record-breaking launch schedule and Starship advancements are pivotal for current and future missions. As SpaceX expands its Starlink network and navigates new political terrains, it remains at the forefront of technological and strategic developments in space.
Source: Space
