2016


Active Launch Vehicle Operators by Type, 2000-2022

Orbital launch attempts have more than tripled since a lull in activity in the early 2000s bottomed out at 55 attempts in 2004. Part of the rapid growth in the past few years is due to a sharp increase in launch vehicle operators after a long period with an average just shy of 10 distinct operators per year.

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NASA Civil Servant Workforce, FY 2013-2023

In 2022, NASA was named the best place to work in the federal government among large agencies for the 10th year in a row. NASA attributed this “decade of excellence” to the agency’s continuing dedication to supporting and strengthening its workforce.

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Launch Attempts by Top Operators, 2000-2022

Two of the top three launch operators — CNSA and SpaceX — have contributed to overall launch activity growth by exponentially increasing their pace, while the third — Roscosmos — decreased its annual launches by 42% from 2000 to 2022.

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Science and Engineering Degrees, in Thousands, 2000-2016

“Space education, research, and workforce development in the public and private sectors are core components of the U.S. national interest, with the potential to drive exploration and scientific discovery, to find new solutions for pressing challenges, including climate change, to strengthen American national security, and to provide good-paying jobs for Americans,” the roadmap document states.

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U.S. Military Space Spending 2005-2022

Gallagher said the military must accelerate its efforts in space and cyberspace to keep pace with Russia and China, improving Pentagon cybersecurity and redesigning Space Force satellites to harden constellations against attack.

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Average Satellite Mass per Payload (kg), 2012-2022

On-orbit refueling and repair of satellites are old if seemingly commonsense concepts. Government and commercial satellite operators have historically invested significantly in their satellites and squeezing. . .On-orbit refueling and repair of satellites are old if seemingly commonsense concepts. Government and commercial satellite operators have historically invested significantly in their satellites and squeezing. . .

For 2022, spacecraft deployed with a mass of 1,000 kg or less numbered an estimated
2,144. Th ere were 65 spacecraft massing more than 1,000 kg deployed during 2022.16 Despite the increase in large spacecraft
deployments in 2022, their share of overall satellite deployments remained under 3%.

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