In 2024, the global space industry set a new record with 259 rocket launches, a 17% increase from the previous year. SpaceX led this surge with 134 missions, while Europe’s launch numbers continued to decline.
In 2024, the global space industry achieved a record-breaking 259 rocket launches, marking a 17% increase from the 221 launches in 2023. The United States led with 144 launches, followed by China with 68, and Russia with 17. This surge underscores the rapid expansion of space activities, particularly by private enterprises.
SpaceX’s Dominance and Europe’s Decline
Private company SpaceX was responsible for over half of the global launches, conducting 134 missions using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. These missions primarily deployed Starlink satellites to provide global internet coverage. In contrast, Europe’s presence in space diminished, with only three launches in both 2023 and 2024, down from five in 2022. This trend highlights the shifting dynamics in the global space sector.