SpaceX can’t get enough of records. At the beginning of 2023, SpaceX was aiming to launch 100 Falcon rockets by December 31. It quickly surpassed the current annual record of 60 launches in September. However, it looks like it will fall short of its ambitious target this year. Here are the details…
Falcon 9 rockets will break new records!
SpaceX launched its first Falcon rocket in 2010. Now the company is experiencing its busiest 12-month period. During this period, it has made 90 flights so far using the Falcon 9 rocket. However, it carried out four missions using the Falcon Heavy rocket, which basically consists of three interconnected Falcon 9 boosters.
By the end of the year, SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon Heavy rocket mission and two more Falcon 9 missions. This will increase the total number of Falcon flights to 97. If you want to add Starship missions too, both failed though. However, Elon Musk describes the second flight as successful. Immediately after the last launch, the total will increase to the 99 launches SpaceX has completed in 2023.
SpaceX has come a long way since the first Falcon launch 13 years ago. The company’s goal was to land the 41.2-meter-tall booster vertically on land or a floating barge. The company’s goal for this mission was to design a spaceflight system that could reuse the component for multiple missions.
SpaceX made its first successful landing in 2015. These days, it manages to successfully land almost all Falcon rockets immediately after launch. On Saturday, it broke new ground with its Falcon 9 mission that deployed more satellites for the Starlink system.
Falcon 9 managed to land a first stage booster for the 19th time in its mission. This is a record for space studies. In addition, the reusable system developed by SpaceX creates a very competitive environment. It has opened up space for more companies and organizations that want to send small satellites into orbit to provide internet service.
It’s been the busiest year ever for SpaceX. However, it looks like it will be busier next year. The launch schedule is filling up quickly in the final days of 2024. In the new year, the company’s focus will shift to the powerful Starship Rocket. SpaceX will accelerate efforts to deliver the Starship Rocket into orbit.