2023
2 U.S. spaceports gain funds amid huge upswing in launch pace
In the last decade, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (the Cape) in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California have supported more launches than other U.S. launch facilities.
U.S. private sector space employment shows steady growth
Monitoring trends in this workforce across private, civil, and national security sectors and examining changes in wages and location of employment provides insight into broader space industry dynamics.
Launch failures by number of satellites lost, 2003-2023
In 2023, launch failures resulted in the loss of 31 satellites, an increase of 48% from 2022.
SNAPSHOT: Global space economy
The global space economy totaled $546 billion in 2022, 8% higher than 2021 — and it could reach $772 billion by 2027, according to Space Foundation analysis.
Cumulative spacecraft on orbit, 1957-2023
Federal agencies in 2014 estimated by 2022 as many as 43 commercial satellites a year would head to orbit. Instead, more than 50 times . . .
NASA Civil Servant Workforce, FY 2013-2023
NASA employed approximately 18,372 employees in 2023. This is an increase of 3.1% over employment in 2022.
U.S. space private industry employment, 2012-2023
Some experts in the space sector worry that high inflation may put significant pressure on aerospace firms as the cost of materials increases rapidly.
2020s is the busiest decade for Moon landings in 50 years
In the span of six months from 2023 to 2024, three countries landed spacecraft on the Moon, and many more are in the works.
January, February launches 2022-2024
The first two months of 2024 saw an incredible pace of launches. The record set in 2023 could topple if two players alone make their goals.
Spacecraft deployed by payload type, 2021-2023
Commercial satellites accounted for 90% of space-craft launched in 2023, with communications satellite constellations leading the pack.