2022


Lunar Missions by Type

Historically, orbiters have been the most common lunar mission type (35%). Planned lunar space stations such as Gateway could expand capabilities in lunar orbit. However, most planned missions over the next decade are for lunar landers.

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Lunar Missions by Result, 1959-2022

Eight nations have launched lunar missions, but only three have landed on the Moon. In 2022, four missions were partially or fully successful, a tempo last seen in 1969 — the year the first humans stepped foot on the lunar surface.

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2022 Payload by Orbit

Spacecraft operators worldwide deployed 2,354 spacecraft in 2022, a 36% increase from 2021. Of these payloads, 91% were commercial, the majority coming from broadband mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb.

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Nation in Review: France

France has always been a pioneer in space: It was the third nation to establish a space program, and it led Europe’s launch vehicle development. Military and civil space strategies from the past few years have planned for the completion of new military satellite constellations, the first launch of the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle, and an increase in domestic space industry investment.

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Launch Attempts by Country and Mission Type, 2022

While the U.S. typically leads commercial satellite launches, China almost doubled its private missions in 2022—commercial payloads were 27% of the nation’s launches compared to 16% in 2021. Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. launched five batches of high-resolution imagery satellites for its Jilin-1 constellation and has deployed approximately half of its planned 138 satellites.

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The S-Network Space Index℠ 2022 Performance

The S-Network Space Index℠ tracks a global portfolio of publicly traded companies that are active in space-related businesses such as satellite-based telecommunications; transmission of television and radio content via satellite . . .

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Above the Fold: Space Issues to Watch in 2023

In China, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Of the twelve animals, it is regarded as the luckiest and symbolizes mercy and elegance. People born in this year avoid arguing and fighting. As one contemplates the major space issues facing the new Congress and the Biden-Harris administration, a realist must accept that it is likely they will be debated . . .

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