2021
Hours between launch attempts, 2004-2024


The 259 launch attempts in 2024 represented a 16% increase from 2023’s record 223 launches.3 The pace of launch accelerated 5 hours from 2023, with a launch every 34 hours. A decade earlier, the pace of global launch was once every 95 hours.4 The United States dominated the launch cycle in 2024, outpacing China by more than 2-to-1.
Launch attempts by year, 2004-2024


Notable launches of 2024 included long-anticipated flagship rockets. The United Launch Alliance Vulcan, which flew twice in 2024, replaces a long line of older rockets in the U.S. civil and military space sectors.
NASA Europa Clipper and total planetary science budgets, 2015-2029


The Europa Clipper mission comes at a critical time when NASA is trying to determine the future of its planetary missions and budgets. NASA’s overall planetary science spending trended upward over the past decade with an average growth rate of 6%.
Humans reaching space, 2000-2024


By Sept. 15, 70 people had flown their first mission to space aboard private sector flights, including 15 since January, according to Space Foundation records. Private-sector astronauts account for nearly 12 percent of all humans to fly to space.
Satellite and space M&A transactions, Q4 2021-Q3 2024


Space sector M&A activity was up in Q3, with 14 announced transactions versus 11 during Q2 and nine in Q1. The transaction volume is the highest of the past seven financial quarters, and comes close to peak activity in Q4 2021 and Q4 2022.
Norway space workforce, 2009-2023


The Norwegian space industry is prioritizing initiatives to strengthen the domestic space workforce pipeline. Andøya Space’s subsidiary, Andøya Space Education, was established in 2000 to provide opportunities for students.
Active and decommissioned Norwegian satellites, 2008-2027


In its business strategy published in April, the agency emphasized the need to use space in sustainable ways to better society. Beyond government agency activities, many public universities in Norway are pursuing space research and developing their own satellites.
Norway government space spending, 2020-2024


Norway’s history of collaboration with international organizations and industry gives the nation a strong position in the space industry. The Norwegian Space Agency estimates that the country’s space activity totals US$1.1 billion annually.
Space Force Guardians, 2020-2025


Space Force justified the bonuses as a tool to keep Guardians who could bolt for higher civilian salaries. The bonuses come with commitments of up to eight years in uniform, locking in Guardians for long stretches of service.
Military enlisted recruiting by percentage of goal attained, FY2021-2024


While some of its sister services struggle to meet recruiting demands to deter today’s enemies, the Space Force is peering far into the future.