Russia Archives

Total launches by nation, 2024

The United States saw an unprecedented 154 launches on the year. China came in second with a record 68 launches. A continued slump in space launches from Russia.

Annual spacecraft deployments fall 3% to 2,802

Despite the large increase in launches in 2024, the number of satellites deployed actually fell in 2024. Still, these spacecraft brought a record mass to orbit.

2024 set another launch record, 2025 poised to shatter it

With a launch attempt every 34 hours, 2024 set spaceflight records. More than half of 2024’s launches came atop SpaceX’s Falcon 9 reusable rocket.

SNAPSHOT: Space Force improves detection for hypersonic missiles

As the United States develops hypersonic capabilities, the Space Force is working to better detect enemy weapons, which combine maneuverability, speed, and stealth to hit targets with little warning.

Midyear launches by select nations, 2014-2024

China led its global rivals with seven military launches, one more than the United States. China’s launches included fielding a new series of high-resolution spy satellites, according to state-controlled media.8 Russia and Japan each launched two military missions, while North Korea and Japan had a single mission each. The United States led the world in civil government space launches of the first half of the year, with a dozen launches.

Government space budgets grow 11% to reach new heights

International government space budgets reached new heights in 2023 with $125 billion spent on space programs, 11% higher than a revised 2022 total of $113 billion.

Satellites central to 2023’s record defense spending

Led by the United States with $835 billion in total defense spending, military budgets around the world grew to record levels in 2023 and appear on track for another record year in 2024, driven by increased tensions in Asia, the outbreak of war between Israel and militant groups, and the grinding conflict in Ukraine.