China
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.
2024 launch pace easily exceeds 2023’s record midyear mark


Global launches through June 30 were up nearly 30% from 2023, easily eclipsing last year’s record 97 first half launches with 126. Launch failures also fell in the first half of 2024 despite the higher launch activity. The pace is expected to accelerate through the second half of 2024, with key launch vehicles set for first flights.
China’s Chang’e 6 mission returns samples from Moon’s far side


China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft landed on the far side of the Moon on June 1, and returned the samples to Earth on June 25.
Astronauts by top nations


The majority of astronauts (95%) have also reached the Kármán line at 100 km — the internationally recognized boundary of space.
SNAPSHOT: Global space economy


The global space economy totaled $546 billion in 2022, 8% higher than 2021 — and it could reach $772 billion by 2027, according to Space Foundation analysis.
2020s is the busiest decade for Moon landings in 50 years


In the span of six months from 2023 to 2024, three countries landed spacecraft on the Moon, and many more are in the works.
Space-based research brings billions in value to medicine


Every year, NASA turns $10 billion in research and development funding into roughly 1,000 technology reports and 100 new patents.
SNAPSHOT: New launch vehicles


The launches included successful maiden flights for three new launch vehicles. With a dozen more new launch vehicles expected to debut, 2024 appears poised to be a game-changing year in orbital flight.
SNAPSHOT: Human spaceflight


As of mid-March, 685 astronauts have reached at least 80 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. This total includes 86 private astronauts, 22 times as many as there were two decades ago.