Who's on Top in the US Rocket Race?

The Big Boss: SpaceX

• Launches: 165 rockets
• Highlights:
• Reliable launches keeping the International Space Station operational
• Challenges:
• Starship had several failed launches and a notable test explosion

The Mover and Shaker: Blue Origin

• Achievements:
• Sent Katy Perry to space
• Successfully landed a rocket on a barge
• Sent spacecraft to Mars
• Built numerous rocket engines

Steady as Ever: Rocket Lab

• Launches: 18 rockets
• Highlights:
• Zero failures
• Building spacecraft and assisting other companies

United Launch Alliance: A Tough Year

• Launches: 6 rockets
• Challenges:
• New Vulcan rocket flew only once
• CEO departed to join Blue Origin

Mixed Results: Northrop Grumman

• Launches: 1 rocket
• Highlights:
• Tested a new spacecraft

Firefly: A Tale of Two Halves

• Highlights:
• Achieved a Moon landing
• Challenges:
• Ended the year with a rocket explosion

Newcomers and Future Prospects

• Stoke Space and Relativity Space:
• Working on their first rockets
• Well-funded to continue development
• Astra:
• Developing a new rocket
• Potential launch in 2027
• Phantom Space and Vaya Space:
• New entrants in the market
• Sharing a launchpad

The Bigger Picture

• Industry Trends:
• Pushing the limits of space exploration
• Sending people to space
• Exploring Mars and landing on the Moon
• Mindset:
• Driven by grit and determination
• Not just about money or technology