Records broken for SpaceX 🚀

Published by Adrien,
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In 2024, Elon Musk's company SpaceX made significant strides, solidifying its position. From a high number of launches to giant Starship launcher tests, the year was marked by multiple records.


Successful catch of the Super Heavy booster on October 13, 2024.
Credit: SpaceX

With 131 orbital launches in a single year, SpaceX smashed its own record set in 2023. Most of these missions were carried out by the Falcon 9, known for its reusability. The Falcon Heavy, on the other hand, contributed with two launches. This frantic pace represents over half of all global space missions in 2024. And this is just one player in the global space industry.

The Starship, a next-generation launcher, made major progress with four test flights deemed successful this year. Among the notable advancements was the recovery of the Super Heavy booster directly on the launch tower using its mechanical arms, nicknamed "chopsticks." A technological feat that paves the way for rapid and cost-effective reusability.

These advancements are crucial for meeting the deadline for NASA's Artemis 3 program, scheduled for 2027. Starship will play a key role as the lunar module. In the longer term, Elon Musk aims to make the colonization of Mars possible—a project that depends on the full reusability of Starship.

At the same time, SpaceX set a new record with the Falcon 9: a first stage flew 24 times, once again pushing the boundaries of rocket durability. This approach significantly reduces costs, solidifying the company's competitive edge.

Nearly 70% of Falcon 9's launches were dedicated to the expansion of the Starlink constellation. With over 6,800 satellites in orbit, the project aims to provide global internet connectivity. A notable breakthrough in 2024 was the completion of the first constellation of satellites capable of directly communicating with mobile phones. Elon Musk promised improved performance with future generations of satellites.


SpaceX's Starship during its sixth test flight from Starbase, Texas.
Credit: SpaceX

Finally, Elon Musk's relationship with President-elect Donald Trump garnered attention. Musk played an active role in the campaign, investing heavily to support Trump. In return, he was appointed to co-chair a committee aimed at reducing government regulations. This collaboration could enhance Elon Musk's, and thus SpaceX's, influence in strategic decision-making for the U.S. space sector.

What is the environmental impact of SpaceX's launches?

The rapid development of SpaceX's reusable launch vehicles and the Starlink constellation raises important questions about their environmental impact. While these technologies are innovative, they come with notable consequences.

SpaceX's launchers, such as the Falcon 9, use a fuel called RP-1 (a highly refined kerosene) and liquid oxygen. During launches, burning this fuel generates carbon dioxide (CO₂), water, nitrogen oxides, and other byproducts. These emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect, although the space sector currently accounts for a small fraction of global emissions compared to industries like transportation or energy—but it is growing.

The main issue lies in altitude. Rocket emissions occur in the upper atmosphere and stratosphere, where gases can disrupt the ozone layer and have a disproportionately large climate impact. At these altitudes, the effects are more persistent and more complex to model than ground-level emissions.

The massive deployment of Starlink satellites (several tens of thousands once the constellation is completed) has also amplified concerns about space pollution. While SpaceX is proactive in deorbiting its satellites at the end of their lifespans to reduce debris, their sheer number increases the risk of collisions and fragmentation. Additionally, the atmospheric release of metals during their final combustion cannot be ignored.

The reusability of rockets, a key advantage of SpaceX, reduces the overall environmental impact by limiting the need to fabricate new launch vehicles. However, each mission remains energy-intensive, and tests such as those for Starship—which uses methane—raise questions about the cumulative long-term impact.

SpaceX is working on cleaner fuels, particularly for Starship, which uses methane produced from renewable sources. Increased monitoring of low Earth orbit and research on biodegradable materials for satellites could also help mitigate the ecological impact.

Although SpaceX is leading the space industry towards practices that aim to be more sustainable, balancing space exploration and environmental preservation remains a challenge that needs careful attention.
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