United States
Europa Clipper begins journey to search for life
The Europa Clipper mission launched in October to study the possibility of life on one of Jupiter’s largest moons.
The big idea: FCC hikes most satellite fees, low Earth orbit gets big bump
Almost all satellite operators will see much bigger bills this fall from a federal agency that regulates the use of radio frequencies.
3D printing with recycled plastics is designed to aid sustainable space
Concerns over increasing orbital debris and a focus on in-situ resource utilization have carved a niche for one American company focusing on sustainability in space.
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.
Vulcan Centaur successfully launches despite booster anomaly
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur launched from Cape Canaveral on Oct. 4, completing its second test launch for the U.S. Space Force.
Boeing Starliner lands without astronauts
Boeing Starliner undocks from the International Space Station on its return journey without astronauts.
FAA grounds Falcon 9 after failed landing
The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily grounded Falcon 9 launches following a failed landing on Aug. 28. This is the second time the FAA has halted the rocket this year.
NASA spending by category, 2023-2025
NASA’s plan would raise Artemis spending by $350 million in 2025 to $7.8 billion, while cutting $230 million from the agency’s Science Mission Directorate.
NASA spending, planned vs. actual, in 2022 dollars
Faced with a budget capped at 2023 levels, NASA is striving to save its lunar ambitions, laying off employees and cutting programs in favor of the Moon.
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.