2021
Three Dimensions of Building Toward a Sustained Lunar Return
The Moon is re-emerging as a focus for global space exploration activities at a level and tempo that will surpass the peak of lunar activities during the space race of the 1960s and 1970s. Governments and commercial entities . . .
Nuclear Power and Propulsion: A Keystone for the Security, Exploration, and Development of Space
Advancements in space nuclear power and propulsion are essential for maintaining a safe and secure space environment, achieving an enduring human and robotic presence in deep space, and expanding commercial activity in and beyond traditional earth orbits. . .
A Growing Ecosystem: The SmallSat Economy
Between 2011 and 2021, commercial business in the global space industry experienced profound changes in the small satellite (SmallSat) sector. In less than 10 years, an ecosystem expanded, catering to commercial SmallSat operators. The sector . . .
Despite Pandemic, Double-digit Growth in 2020 in Some Commercial Sectors
Commercial space activity, undertaken by private industry with little or no government investment, accounts for more than 79.8% of the global space economy. Despite the global pandemic, commercial space revenues continue to . . .
Global Space Economy Climbs Despite Pandemic, Disrupted Government Spending
The global space economy reached a new high of nearly $447 billion in 2020, an increase of 4.4% from a revised 2019 figure of $428 billion. The 2020 figure is 50% greater than a decade ago, and 176% greater than . . .
Getting Along on a Busy Moon
By 2024, NASA intends to land astronauts including the first female on the Moon. The Artemis program is an exciting opportunity for the space industry and all humankind to settle in deep space within the next decades. Even more exciting, the United States is not the only nation venturing into this expanding frontier. . .
Go For Launch
Inspired by forecasts predicting that thousands of SmallSats will launch over the next decade, launch entrepreneurs have raised billions of dollars and assembled legions of technical experts in a quest to build innovative and cost effective new rockets. But as the first of these next-generation new entrants reach the launchpad . . .
Successful First Stage Booster Recovery Mission Share out of Total Missions, 2017-mid-2021
This fully interactive chart shows changes made in the accompanying table. Use the tools just above the table for sorting, advanced filtering, and other options, which will then be reflected… Orbital Launch Attempts by Share by Sector, 2017-mid-2021
This fully interactive chart shows changes made in the accompanying table. Use the tools just above the table for sorting, advanced filtering, and other options, which will then be reflected… Orbital Launch Attempts by Half-Year, 2017-mid-2021
This fully interactive chart shows changes made in the accompanying table. Use the tools just above the table for sorting, advanced filtering, and other options, which will then be reflected…