2023 Orbital Launches, by Country
2023 was a record-setting year for global launch.
Jack Kuhr
Terran Orbital Nabs Rivada Payment
Terran Orbital ($LLAP) announced yesterday it received a key Rivada Space Networks milestone payment for its mega-contract to build 300 internet satellites after months of delays.
SpaceX Launches the Pentagon’s X-37B Spaceplane
SpaceX launched the Space Force’s X-37B aboard a Falcon Heavy on Dec. 28 after a few weeks of delays.
FCC Reaffirms its Decision to Deny Starlink $886M Subsidy
The FCC upheld its 2022 decision to deny Starlink an $886M Rural Digital Opportunity Fund subsidy aimed at expanding internet connectivity into rural areas.
AstroForge Provides an Update on its Brokkr-1 Demo Mission
Asteroid mining startup AstroForge provided a detailed update on its Brokkr-1 satellite demo mission in a blog post yesterday, revealing several hiccups it encountered and a three-month blitz to complete its refinery mission.
Helicity Raises $5M for In-Space Fusion Propulsion
Helicity Space, an in-space nuclear fusion propulsion startup, nabbed a $5M seed round to begin developing its novel engine.
The GAO Calls on the FAA to Improve its Mishap Investigation Process
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the FAA should be taking the lead more often when things go awry in spaceflight.
Iran Launches Bio-Capsule to Space
Iran said it had successfully launched a bio-capsule to a height of 130 km as it sets a goal of sending humans to space by the end of the decade.
SpaceX May Test Propellant Transfer on Next Starship Flight
SpaceX is advancing toward testing propellant transfer capability on its Starship Human Landing System (HLS), a significant milestone in its lunar transport architecture.
Exolaunch Signs Launch Services Deal with Capella Space
Exolaunch will provide integration and launch mission management for Capella Space’s Acadia-5 satellite, which is slated for launch on SpaceX’s Transporter 11 mid-next year.
Amazon Buys Three-Launch Deal with SpaceX to Deploy its Project Kuiper Satellites
SpaceX is set to deliver Amazon’s satellite packages.