2023
Leap Second Adjustments to UTC, Navigation Satellites, 1972-2023
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But every technological leap in clock accuracy can’t overcome the wobbly planet’s ability to throw off timing standards. Using leap seconds, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures has changed clocks to match the astronomical time on Earth 27 times.
Total Spacecraft by Mission Segment, 2020-2023
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The number of satellites in all three mission segments grew by double digits in 2023, with civil government payloads growing most rapidly (74% year-over-year). Over the past four years, the size of all mission segments has more than doubled. Commercial payloads once again made up the largest proportion of deployments in 2023 thanks to mega-constellations such as Starlink.
Japanese Launch Attempts, 2013-2023
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One problem area for Japan is the possibility of a gap in reliable access to space. The nation is one of 10 capable of orbital launch, but its launch activity is relativity infrequent.
Spacecraft by Mass Range, 2023
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The known mass of spacecraft deployed last year was 1.4 million kg, 42% more than 2022. This total does not include masses for satellites without publicly available information, including many classified U.S., Chinese, and Russian military satellites. Excluding these uncategorized satellites, the average payload mass in 2023 was 550 kg.
Spy Agency Uses Data from Space, Experience on the Ground to Win Battles, Save Lives with Maps
![The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency uses maps fused with Intelligence data to give leaders a clearer picture of global events. Credit: NGA](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.21.36-AM-150x150.png)
![The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency uses maps fused with Intelligence data to give leaders a clearer picture of global events. Credit: NGA](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.21.36-AM.png)
Seizing the high ground to see what lies ahead, a skill as old as warfare itself, has never been more important. Now, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the intelligence community’s mapmakers, are seizing the high ground of commercial space to augment the products they deliver to the military and first responders at disaster scenes.
Accelerated Launch Pace, Debris and AI Shape the 2024 Space Forecast
![At Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, leaders expect to fire off a record 100 launch vehicles in 2024. Credit: NASA](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.18.11-AM-150x150.png)
![At Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, leaders expect to fire off a record 100 launch vehicles in 2024. Credit: NASA](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.18.11-AM.png)
NASA completes first laser communications beyond Moon
![DSOC’s flight laser transceiver shown at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in April 2021, preparing to be installed in its enclosure before integrating with the rest of the Psyche spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.29.07-AM-150x150.png)
![DSOC’s flight laser transceiver shown at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in April 2021, preparing to be installed in its enclosure before integrating with the rest of the Psyche spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.29.07-AM.png)
As scientific instruments get more precise and the private and public sectors work to send humans farther into space than ever before, space data transfers are more important than ever before.
White House Authorization and Supervision Draft Legislation on Collision Course with Hill and Parts of Industry
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Spacecraft Deployments Grew 23% in 2023 Despite Broadband Cooldown
![dia’s first successful lunar lander, Chandrayaan-3, sits in a facility before launch. Even though commercial satellites made up the majority of deployments in 2023, civil government payloads increased most rapidly, growing 74% year-over-year. Credit: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-9.39.37-AM-150x150.png)
![dia’s first successful lunar lander, Chandrayaan-3, sits in a facility before launch. Even though commercial satellites made up the majority of deployments in 2023, civil government payloads increased most rapidly, growing 74% year-over-year. Credit: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-9.39.37-AM.png)
With record launches for the third year running, it’s no surprise that the number of payloads reaching orbit is also skyrocketing. Spacecraft deployed in 2023 grew 23% to 2,891, bringing approximately 1.4 million kg of equipment to space.
Making the Case for a U.S. Space National Guard
![Major General Laura L. Clellan](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.28.24-AM-133x150.png)
![Major General Laura L. Clellan](https://www.thespacereport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-18-at-11.28.24-AM.png)
American foreign policy is sitting on a razor’s edge. The United States now must walk a tightrope between maintaining global posture and avoiding global conflict.