Analysis

Earth’s Busiest Spaceports in 2021

By Ryan Duffy
Share
Graphic via Aerospace Security Project/CSIS

Where did the 133 successful orbital launches of 2021 start their journey? Visualize the busiest launchpads via Spaceports of the World, a data repository compiled by the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS, a DC-based think tank. 

The top three spaceports by orbital launch (H/T Thomas G. Roberts): 

  1. Cape Canaveral / Kennedy Space Center, with 31 launches (+1 YoY)
  2. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, with 19 launches (+8 YoY) 
  3. Xichang Satellite Launch Center, with 16 launches (+4 YoY) 

As for the all-time leader? That honor goes to Plesetsk Cosmodrome, which has played host to 1,589 launches since 1957. Activity has trailed off over the decades, dropping from a peak of 69 orbital launches in 1977 to five in 2021.

Share

Upcoming Events

webinar

Monetizing Satellite Infrastructure: New Revenue Streams in the Space Economy

28 Apr
live event

Payload Space Happy Hour

850 S Sepulveda Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245
20 May
live event

Payload Space Happy Hour

850 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo CA, 90245
21 Aug
live event

Payload Space Happy Hour

850 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo CA, 90245
2 Oct
Return Home
Related Stories
Analysis • Launch • VC/PE

Charts Defining the Space Industry in Q1 ‘25 

Despite turbulence in public markets, Q1 private space dealmaking was strong—particularly for the launch sector. 

Analysis • Rockets

New Small Launchers are in Decline

Outside of the established companies, investment in small US launchers has slowed to a crawl, forcing dozens of companies to go dormant, or pivot to defense. 

Analysis • Business • Civil

US Space Companies Make a Run at Europe

After years of investor malaise and memes about the region’s lack of innovation, investing in the EU is suddenly back in vogue.

Analysis • Civil

SDA’s Tranche 0 Satellites Criticized, Tranche 1 Delayed

The Space Development Agency (SDA) announced last week it is pushing the launch of its Tranche 1 satellites until late summer due to system readiness and supply chain issues.