SpaceX is aiming to up its rocket launch game even more. The ambitious goal for 2024 is to reach 148 launches, which is another leap from the 98 accomplished the previous year.
This rate of launching would mean SpaceX has to lift off once every two and a half days! They’ve already made some serious headway, with 82 rockets launched so far this year, comprising 79 Falcon 9s, one Falcon Heavy, and two Starships.
Notably, out of these launches, 23 did not involve Starlink missions. This shows SpaceX's capacity to handle payloads beyond its standard satellite offerings.
The numbers reveal impressive stats: the success rate stands at 98.7%. The Eastern Operations from launch sites on the Florida coast accounted for most of these launches, with 53 recorded.
The upcoming year seems particularly promising for Starship testing, which took flight for the first time as a complete vessel last year. With several test flights projected, the team hopes to gather the data needed to refine their designs and meet NASA’s Artemis deadlines.
Especially if they want to nail down the critical aspects of their mission, including the challenging task of in-space refueling. This process is key for Artemis 3, set to send astronauts back to the Moon by 2026.
If everything goes according to plan, they might be able to conduct test flights quite close together. Nevertheless, not all timelines are set, as future FAA investigations could impact flight schedules.
SpaceX also shines when it enters the human spaceflight arena. Despite some setbacks earlier this year, they could still handle five crewed missions this year, adding to their rich legacy.
Scheduled launches include significant events like the Axiom-3 mission, which is aimed at sending private astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Plus, there are buzz-worthy projects like Polaris Dawn, where SpaceX is planning to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk!
This significant leap could show how SpaceX collaborates with different companies to push the boundaries of human space explorations. It's especially important if they get the nod from NASA to assist with servicing the Hubble Space Telescope down the line.
Meanwhile, SpaceX has ramped up activity at Vandenberg Space Force Base as well. Historically, this site experienced lower launch rates compared to its counterparts on the East Coast.
Now, they’re changing this narrative with ambitions to conduct weekly launches by 2024. They anticipate this will significantly boost Starlink missions originating from California.
This could greatly improve service coverage as they adapt to the growing demand for better internet speeds and access, not just in Florida, but also on the West Coast.
Every launch provides the chance to fine-tune their operations, which could yield impressive results moving forward. It's all part of SpaceX's mission to become the primary player not just within America, but across the globe.
On the international front, recent weeks saw SpaceX's rockets lighting up the skies beyond just the beaches of Florida. A recent Falcon 9 launch carrying 23 Starlink satellites was spotted by residents as far away as Alabama!
People caught glimpses of the brilliant streak across the dawn sky, with one resident, Dave Kriegler, filming the sighting just as he was awaiting the morning sunrise. "I filmed as I was out looking for Perseids then waiting for sunrise," he shared, showcasing how such events can inspire awe even far from their launch sites.
All this activity is part of SpaceX’s broader ambition to dominate the space transport industry. From launching new satellites to supporting missions to Mars, they seem committed to reaching as many milestones as possible, one launch at a time.
So for enthusiasts and professionals alike, SpaceX's upcoming year promises not only incredible advancements but also thrilling views across various states as these rocket launches become more commonplace. The echoes of these missions continually remind us of the ever-expanding frontiers of human ingenuity and exploration.
