History of SpaceX in Timeline
SpaceX is an American space technology company founded in 2002. It has revolutionized space exploration through advancements in reusable rocket technology, human spaceflight, and satellite constellations. By 2024, SpaceX became the world's leading space launch provider, surpassing both private and national programs in launch frequency. The company collaborates closely with NASA and the United States Armed Forces through governmental contracts, signifying its crucial role in both commercial and government space initiatives.
2002: SpaceX Founded
In 2002, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) was founded to advance rocket technology, reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight, and satellite constellations.
2003: SpaceX Leases McGregor Facility
In 2003, SpaceX leased the McGregor facility, formerly used by Beal Aerospace.
2004: SpaceX Protests NASA Contract
In 2004, SpaceX protested a NASA contract, leading to the formation of the COTS program.
November 2005: SpaceX Employee Count
By November 2005, SpaceX had 160 employees.
2005: Awarded IDIQ Contract by USAF
In 2005, SpaceX announced it was awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract allowing the United States Air Force to purchase up to $100 million worth of launches from the company.
2005: Human-Rated Space Program Announced
In 2005, SpaceX announced plans to pursue a human-rated commercial space program, which later evolved into the Dragon spacecraft.
2005: Falcon 9 Development
In 2005, SpaceX decided to proceed with developing the Falcon 9, a reusable heavy-lift vehicle.
2006: NASA COTS Phase 1 Contract
In 2006, SpaceX secured a NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Phase 1 contract.
2006: SpaceX Awarded COTS Contract
In 2006, SpaceX was selected by NASA and awarded $396 million to provide crew and cargo resupply demonstration contracts to the International Space Station (ISS) under the COTS program.
2006: ULA held monopoly over US Air Force launches
In 2006, United Launch Alliance (ULA) held a monopoly over U.S. Air Force launches of classified payloads, prior to SpaceX certification.
April 2007: Pentagon Approves Use of SLC-40
In April 2007, the Pentagon approved SpaceX's use of Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40).
September 2008: First Successful Launch
On 28 September 2008, SpaceX achieved its first successful launch on the fourth attempt.
2008: Falcon 1 Failures
Between 2006 and 2008, the first three launches of the Falcon 1 resulted in failures, which almost ended SpaceX.
2008: First CRS Contracts Signed
The first Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts were signed in 2008 and awarded $1.6 billion to SpaceX for 12 cargo transport missions.
July 2009: Falcon 1 Retired
In July 2009, the Falcon 1 was retired following its second successful launch, allowing SpaceX to focus on the Falcon 9. Gwynne Shotwell was also promoted to company president at the time.
2009: Falcon 1 retired
In 2009, SpaceX retired Falcon 1, after two successful launches out of five attempts.
June 2010: Falcon 9 First Launch
In June 2010, the Falcon 9 launched for the first time with the Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit.
June 2010: Falcon 9 successfully reaches orbit on first attempt
On June 4 2010, the Falcon 9 v1.0 rocket successfully reached orbit on its first attempt, marking a crucial milestone for SpaceX.
December 2010: First Private Company to Launch, Orbit, and Recover a Spacecraft
In December 2010, with the launch of the SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 1 mission, SpaceX became the first private company to successfully launch, orbit, and recover a spacecraft.
2010: Successful COTS demonstration flight
In 2010, SpaceX had a successful Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration flight, marking a crucial step in the company's development.
2010: Falcon 9 Launches from SLC-40 Begin
Since 2010, SpaceX has used SLC-40 for Falcon 9 launches.
April 2011: NASA CCDev Contract
In April 2011, NASA awarded SpaceX a $75 million contract to develop an integrated launch escape system for Dragon.
2011: SpaceX Leases Vandenberg SLC-4E
In 2011, SpaceX leased Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4E) for polar orbit launches.
2011: First CCDev Contract Awarded to SpaceX
In 2011, SpaceX was awarded the first contract as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program.
2011: Last crewed launch from US before SpaceX
In 2011, it was the last time before the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission a crewed vehicle had launched from the U.S.
May 2012: Dragon Berths with the ISS
In May 2012, during SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 2, Dragon successfully berthed with the ISS, marking a first for a private spacecraft.
May 2012: Dragon Delivers Cargo to ISS
In May 2012, with the Dragon C2+ launch, Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.
May 2012: Falcon 9 launches first commercial spacecraft to ISS
On May 22 2012, SpaceX's third flight of the Falcon 9, COTS Demo Flight 2, launched the first commercial spacecraft to reach and dock with the International Space Station (ISS), setting a precedent for private space missions.
August 2012: NASA Awards Space Act Agreement
In August 2012, NASA awarded SpaceX a fixed-price Space Act Agreement (SAA) to produce a detailed design of the crew transportation system.
October 2012: SpaceX CRS-1 Launched
In October 2012, SpaceX CRS-1, the first of 12 planned resupply missions, launched, achieved orbit, berthed, and remained on station for 20 days.
December 2012: First Launch Contracts with DoD
In December 2012, SpaceX announced its first two launch contracts with the United States Department of Defense (DoD). The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center awarded SpaceX two EELV-class missions: Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) and Space Test Program 2 (STP-2).
2012: SpaceX Begins ISS Deliveries
By 2012, SpaceX completed all Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) test flights and commenced Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) missions to the International Space Station.
2012: Second CCDev Contract Awarded to SpaceX
In 2012, SpaceX received another CCDev contract to continue developing and testing its Dragon 2 spacecraft.
2012: No commercial launches from US
In 2012, there were no commercial launches from the US.
2012: Reusability Test Program Begins
In late 2012, SpaceX's active reusability test program commenced, focusing on low-altitude, low-speed landing technology.
2013: First Commercial Mission
In 2013, SpaceX launched its first commercial mission for a private customer.
2013: Falcon 9 upgraded to v1.1
In 2013, the Falcon 9 vehicle was upgraded to Falcon 9 v1.1, enhancing its capabilities and performance.
2013: High-Velocity Return Tests Begin
In late 2013, SpaceX initiated high-velocity, high-altitude tests of the booster atmospheric return technology.
2013: Comsat market pressured by SpaceX
Prior to 2013, the openly competed comsat launch market had been dominated by Arianespace and International Launch Services.
April 2014: SpaceX Leases Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
On April 14, 2014, SpaceX signed a 20-year lease for Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
July 2014: FAA Permit Issued for Starbase
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the permit in July 2014 for SpaceX's Boca Chica launch facility.
August 2014: First Plans for Starbase Announced
In August 2014, SpaceX first announced plans for the Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
September 2014: Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) Contract
In September 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract to finalize the development of the Crew Transportation System.
May 2015: Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test Completed
In May 2015, SpaceX completed the first key flight test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft, a Pad Abort Test.
June 2015: Hyperloop Competition Announced
In June 2015, SpaceX announced it would sponsor a Hyperloop competition and build a subscale test track near its headquarters.
June 2015: Falcon 9 Failure
In late June 2015, the Falcon 9 experienced its first major failure when the CRS-7 exploded two minutes into the flight.
December 2015: First Successful First Stage Landing
In December 2015, SpaceX achieved its first successful landing and recovery of a Falcon 9 first stage.
2015: McGregor Facility Expansion
By 2015, SpaceX had expanded the McGregor facility to 4,000 acres.
2015: NASA Extended the Phase 1 Contracts
In 2015, NASA extended the Phase 1 contracts by ordering an additional three resupply flights from SpaceX.
2015: Starlink Development Begins
In 2015, SpaceX began development of Starlink, a satellite constellation aimed at providing low-cost broadband internet.
2015: First Successful First-Stage Landing
In 2015, SpaceX demonstrated the first successful landing of a Falcon 9 first stage.
2015: SLC-4W Converted to Landing Zone 4
In 2015, Vandenberg's SLC-4W was converted to Landing Zone 4 for booster landings.
2015: ULA Restructuring Due to SpaceX Competition
In 2015, anticipating a slump in domestic, military, and spy launches due to competition from SpaceX, ULA stated it would go out of business unless it won commercial satellite launch orders and announced a major restructuring to decrease launch costs.
2015: Starbase Construction Ramps Up
In 2015, construction on SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, ramped up significantly.
2015: DSCOVR Launch
In 2015, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) was launched on a Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
2015: Falcon 9 Certified for NSSL
In 2015, the Falcon 9 v1.1 was certified for National Security Space Launch (NSSL), allowing SpaceX to contract launch services to the Air Force for payloads classified under national security.
2015: Falcon 9 upgraded to Full Thrust
In 2015, the Falcon 9 was upgraded to the Full Thrust version, representing further advancements in its design and technology.
2015: First Starlink Building Opens
In early 2015, the first Starlink building opened in Redmond, Washington.
2015: Landing Zones 1 and 2 Used for Booster Landings
Since 2015, the former Launch Complex 13 at Cape Canaveral, renamed Landing Zones 1 and 2, has been used for Falcon 9 booster landings.
January 2016: Second Phase of CRS Contracts Awarded
In January 2016, a second phase of CRS contracts was awarded with SpaceX as one of the awardees.
April 2016: First Drone Ship Landing
In April 2016, SpaceX accomplished the first successful landing on the autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS) in the Atlantic Ocean.
April 2016: First National Security Launch Awarded
In April 2016, the U.S. Air Force awarded the first national security launch to SpaceX to launch the second GPS III satellite for $82.7 million, significantly less than previous missions.
September 2016: Falcon 9 Explosion
In early September 2016, a Falcon 9 exploded during a propellant fill operation, destroying the AMOS-6 satellite. This sent the company into a four-month launch hiatus.
October 2016: Price Discount for Reused Falcon 9
By October 2016, SpaceX began offering a 10% price discount to customers choosing to fly their payload on a reused Falcon 9 first stage.
2016: CRS Contracts Covers Deliveries
Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts covers deliveries to 2016.
2016: Falcon 9 experiences pre-flight failure
In 2016, a Falcon 9 experienced a pre-flight failure before a static fire test, resulting in the loss of the rocket.
2016: Alleged Sexual Misconduct
In 2016, it was the year that Musk engaged in sexual misconduct with a SpaceX flight attendant in a private jet, according to a Business Insider article in May 2022.
2016: Development versions of Raptor engine test-fired
In late 2016, development versions of the Raptor engine, designed for the Starship launch system, were test-fired.
January 2017: Return to Flight
In January 2017, SpaceX returned to flight after the Falcon 9 explosion.
March 2017: First Re-launch of a Falcon 9
In March 2017, SpaceX re-launched a returned Falcon 9 for the SES-10 satellite, marking the first time a re-launch of a payload-carrying orbital rocket went back to space. The first stage was recovered again, also making it the first landing of a reused orbital class rocket.
May 2017: First Launch for NRO
On May 1, 2017, the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) purchased and launched its first mission from SpaceX.
July 2017: Company Valuation Increase
In July 2017, SpaceX raised $350 million, raising its valuation to $21 billion.
2017: Starship intended to supersede Falcon hardware by early 2020s
As of 2017, the Starship, a fully reusable super-heavy lift launch system, was intended to supersede the company's existing Falcon launch vehicle hardware by the early 2020s, indicating a strategic shift in SpaceX's launch vehicle development.
2017: First Re-launch of Falcon 9 First Stage
In 2017, SpaceX achieved the first re-launch of a Falcon 9 first stage.
2017: The Boring Company Formed
In 2017, SpaceX formed a subsidiary, The Boring Company, and began work to construct a short test tunnel.
2017: Dragon 2 Completion and Certification Deadline
In 2017, SpaceX has a completion date of the Dragon 2, according to NASA.
2017: Starlink Prototype Satellites Launched
In 2017, SpaceX launched initial prototype test-flight satellites for Starlink on the SpaceX Paz satellite mission.
2017: First Hyperloop Competition
SpaceX held the first annual Hyperloop competition in 2017.
March 2018: Launch Manifest
By March 2018, SpaceX had more than 100 launches on its manifest, representing about $12 billion in contract revenue, making it the leading global commercial launch provider.
March 2018: Additional Contract for GPS III Satellites
In March 2018, SpaceX secured an additional $290 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to launch another three GPS III satellites.
May 2018: Boring Company Test Tunnel Completed
In May 2018, The Boring Company completed a short test tunnel on and adjacent to the SpaceX headquarters.
December 2018: Boring Company Tunnel Opens to Public
In December 2018, The Boring Company's test tunnel opened to the public.
2018: SpaceX Missions and Contracts
In 2018, SpaceX had approximately thirty missions on the manifest, representing over $12 billion under contract.
2018: Falcon 9 upgraded to Block 5
In 2018, the Falcon 9 was upgraded to the Block 5 version, designed for increased reusability and reliability, marking a significant step in SpaceX's launch vehicle development.
2018: Falcon Heavy First Flight
In 2018, the Falcon Heavy, built from three Falcon 9 boosters, completed its first flight after over a decade of development.
January 2019: SpaceX announces 10% workforce layoff
In January 2019, SpaceX announced it would lay off 10% of its workforce to help finance the Starship and Starlink projects, focusing resources on ambitious future endeavors.
February 2019: Contract for National Security Missions
In February 2019, SpaceX secured a $297 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to launch another three national security missions.
May 2019: Company Valuation Increase
By May 2019, the valuation of SpaceX had risen to $33.3 billion.
May 2019: SpaceX launches first large batch of Starlink satellites
In May 2019, SpaceX launched the first large batch of 60 Starlink satellites, initiating the deployment of what would become the world's largest commercial satellite constellation.
June 2019: Falcon Heavy Launches STP-2 Mission
On June 25, 2019, SpaceX launched the Space Test Program 2 (STP-2) mission on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
2019: First Operational Starlink Satellite
In 2019, SpaceX brought the first operational satellite of the Starlink internet satellite constellation online.
2019: First Suborbital Launches from Starbase
In 2019, SpaceX conducted the first suborbital launches from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
2019: Raptor engine flies for the first time
In 2019, the Raptor engine flew for the first time, powering the Starhopper vehicle to an altitude of 20 m (66 ft), marking a significant milestone in its development.
2019: Uncrewed Test Flight
In early 2019, SpaceX successfully conducted a full uncrewed test flight.
2019: First flight of Dragon 2
In early 2019, the second-generation Dragon 2 spacecraft conducted its first flight, without crew, to the ISS, representing an evolution in SpaceX's spacecraft technology.
2019: Pad 39A Prepared for Starship Launches
Pad 39A has been prepared since 2019 to eventually accommodate Starship launches.
2019: Capital raised since 2019 to support Starlink and Starship
Since 2019, the capital raised by SpaceX has been used to support the operational deployment of the Starlink satellite constellation and the development and manufacture of the Starship launch vehicle.
2019: Last Hyperloop Competition
The last annual Hyperloop competition held by SpaceX took place in 2019.
January 2020: In-Flight Abort Test Conducted
In January 2020, SpaceX conducted an in-flight abort test, the last test flight before flying crew, in which the Dragon spacecraft fired its launch escape engines in a simulated abort scenario.
March 2020: Company Valuation
By March 2020, the valuation of SpaceX had reached $36 billion.
March 2020: NASA Contracts SpaceX for Dragon XL
In March 2020, NASA contracted SpaceX to develop the Dragon XL spacecraft to send supplies to the Lunar Gateway space station.
March 2020: Dragon XL revealed
In March 2020, SpaceX unveiled the Dragon XL, a resupply spacecraft for NASA's Lunar Gateway, designed to transport over 5,000 kg to the Gateway and dock for six to twelve months.
April 2020: Final Dragon 1 Mission
In April 2020, the final Dragon 1 mission, SpaceX CRS-20, departed the ISS, and Dragon was subsequently retired from service.
May 2020: US commercial launch market share
In May 2020, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine remarked that thanks to NASA's investments into SpaceX, the United States has 70% of the commercial launch market, a major improvement since 2012 when there were no commercial launches from the country.
May 2020: SpaceX launches first astronauts to ISS on Crew Dragon Demo-2
In May 2020, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching two NASA astronauts (Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken) into orbit on a Crew Dragon spacecraft during Crew Dragon Demo-2, becoming the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station and marking the first crewed orbital launch from American soil in 9 years.
May 2020: Crew Dragon Demo-2 Mission Launch
In May 2020, the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission launched to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley. This marked the first crewed vehicle launch from the U.S. since 2011 and SpaceX's first commercial crewed launch to the ISS.
May 2020: First Crewed Mission from Launch Pad 39A
SpaceX launched its first crewed mission to the ISS from Launch Pad 39A on May 30, 2020.
June 2020: Third GPS III Launch
On June 20, 2020, SpaceX launched the third GPS III launch.
August 2020: SpaceX valuation increases to $46 billion
In August 2020, SpaceX's valuation increased to $46 billion after a $1.9 billion funding round, marking one of the largest single fundraising efforts by a privately held company.
August 2020: NSSL Contract Awarded by US Space Force
In August 2020, the U.S. Space Force awarded its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) contracts for the following 5-7 years, with SpaceX winning a contract for $316 million for one launch. SpaceX will handle 40% of the U.S. military's satellite launch requirements over the period.
November 2020: Crew-1 Mission Launch
In November 2020, the Crew-1 mission successfully launched to the International Space Station, carrying NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, along with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, as members of Expedition 64.
December 2020: Cargo variant of Dragon 2 flies for the first time
In December 2020, the cargo variant of Dragon 2 flew for the first time, conducting a resupply mission to the ISS as part of the CRS contract with NASA, expanding its utilization.
2020: COVID-19 Antibody Testing Program
In 2020, SpaceX created a COVID-19 antibody-testing program, inviting employees to participate with 4300 volunteering to provide blood samples, leading to a peer-reviewed scientific paper.
2020: Dragon 2 Crewed Missions Begin
In 2020, SpaceX started operating its Dragon 2 capsules for crewed missions for NASA and private entities.
2020: Starlink Initial Test Operation
In late 2020, Starlink began initial test operation of its satellite constellation.
February 2021: SpaceX raises $1.61 billion, valuation reaches $74 billion
In February 2021, SpaceX raised an additional $1.61 billion in an equity round from 99 investors, increasing the company's valuation to approximately $74 billion.
April 2021: Crew-2 Mission Launch and Docking
In April 2021, the Crew-2 mission launched to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and K. Megan McArthur, JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet. The Crew-2 mission successfully docked on April 24, 2021.
April 2021: Starship HLS wins NASA Artemis program contract
On April 16 2021, Starship HLS secured a contract to play a critical role in NASA's crewed spaceflight Artemis program, solidifying SpaceX's involvement in lunar missions.
July 2021: Second Raptor Engine Production Facility
In July 2021, SpaceX announced plans to build a second production facility for Raptor engines at McGregor.
July 2021: SpaceX unveils drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas
In July 2021, SpaceX unveiled another drone ship named A Shortfall of Gravitas, expanding its fleet for recovering boosters.
August 2021: A Shortfall of Gravitas lands booster from CRS-23
On August 29 2021, SpaceX successfully landed a booster from the CRS-23 mission on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas for the first time.
October 2021: SpaceX valuation hits $100.3 billion
By October 2021, the valuation of SpaceX had risen to $100.3 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company.
December 2021: Claims of Workplace Sexual Harassment
In December 2021, claims of workplace sexual harassment from five former SpaceX employees were published, alleging unwanted advances, uncomfortable interactions, and a culture of sexual harassment where complaints were unaddressed.
December 2021: SpaceX starts carbon dioxide removal program
On December 13 2021, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX was starting a carbon dioxide removal program to convert captured carbon into rocket fuel, following a $100 million donation to the X Prize Foundation.
2021: Inspiration4 Mission Launch
In 2021, SpaceX launched its first paid crewed spaceflight for private individuals, the Inspiration4 mission, on behalf of Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman. The mission launched the Crew Dragon Resilience from Florida, placed the capsule into low Earth orbit, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean after three days. The crew received commercial astronaut training from SpaceX.
2021: $1.8 billion contract signed with NRO
In 2021, a $1.8 billion contract was signed with the National Reconnaissance Office
2021: National Security Missions slated to launch no earlier than FY21
In February 2019, SpaceX secured a $297 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to launch another three national security missions, all slated to launch no earlier than FY 2021.
2021: Starlink Initial Orders
In early 2021, Starlink started taking initial orders from customers, promising internet service speeds of 50 to 150 Mbit/s.
May 2022: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Employee Response
In May 2022, a Business Insider article alleged that Musk engaged in sexual misconduct with a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016. Employees responded with an open letter condemning "Elon's harmful Twitter behavior", which led to terminations.
August 2022: ESA discusses using SpaceX launchers amid Soyuz unavailability
In August 2022, Reuters reported that the European Space Agency (ESA) began initial discussions with SpaceX about potentially using the company's launchers temporarily due to Russia blocking access to Soyuz rockets amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
November 2022: Executive Oversight of Starbase
In November 2022, SpaceX announced that COO Gwynne Shotwell and vice president Mark Juncosa would oversee Starbase, its Texas launch facility, along with Omead Afshar. Shyamal Patel would shift to its Cape Canaveral site. This demonstrated "the sense of urgency within the company to get Starship flying".
December 2022: Starshield Program Announced
In December 2022, SpaceX announced the Starshield program, utilizing a Starlink-derived satellite bus for military and government payloads, with the Space Development Agency as a key customer.
December 2022: Starlink Reaches 1 Million Subscribers
In December 2022, Starlink achieved a significant milestone, reaching over 1 million subscribers worldwide.
December 2022: FCC approves launch of 7,500 SpaceX next-generation satellites
In December 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the launch of up to 7,500 of SpaceX's next-generation satellites in its Starlink internet network, enhancing its capacity and coverage.
2022: Falcon 9 becomes world record holder for most launches in a year
In 2022, SpaceX's Falcon 9 became the world record holder for the most launches of a single vehicle type in a single year, with 61 launches.
2022: New financing round values SpaceX at $127 billion
In 2022, a new round of financing valued SpaceX at $127 billion, reflecting the company's continued growth and increasing value.
2022: Most SpaceX launches focused on Starlink
In 2022, most SpaceX launches focused on Starlink, deploying batches of internet-beaming satellites, leading to over 6,000 satellites in orbit.
2022: 39A Starship Preparation Accelerated
With delays in launch FAA permits for Boca Chica, Texas, the 39A Starship preparation was accelerated in 2022.
2022: SpaceX completes 18 launches and two astronaut splashdowns in first 130 days
Within the first 130 days of 2022, SpaceX achieved 18 rocket launches and two astronaut splashdowns, demonstrating a high operational tempo.
February 2023: Floating launch platform plans
As of February 2023, SpaceX sold oil rigs intended for floating launch platforms for Starship, but hasn't ruled out sea-based platforms for future use.
April 2023: Starship's first orbital flight test ends in explosion
On April 20 2023, Starship's first orbital flight test ended in a mid-air explosion over the Gulf of Mexico before booster separation, although SpaceX considered it a success.
October 2023: SpaceX executive blames regulators for Starship delay
In October 2023, a senior SpaceX executive stated that the company had been ready to launch the next Starship test flight since September but accused government regulators of disrupting the project's progress, potentially impacting the race to the Moon.
November 2023: SpaceX to acquire parachute supplier Pioneer Aerospace
In November 2023, SpaceX announced its intention to acquire its parachute supplier, Pioneer Aerospace, out of bankruptcy for $2.2 million.
November 2023: Starship's second flight test ends in vehicle explosions
On November 18 2023, SpaceX launched Starship on its second flight test, but both vehicles exploded separately a few minutes into the flight.
2023: Report on Workplace Injuries
In 2023, Reuters reported that SpaceX employees are "paying the price for the billionaire’s push to colonize space at breakneck speed," citing higher-than-average injury rates and documenting at least 600 previously unreported workplace injuries.
2023: First Orbital Launches from Starbase
In 2023, SpaceX began orbital launches from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
March 2024: Reuters Report on Spy Satellite Network
In March 2024, Reuters reported that SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed with the National Reconnaissance Office in 2021. The network is designed to operate as a swarm in low orbits.
March 2024: Starship's third flight reaches planned suborbital trajectory before destruction
On March 14 2024, Starship launched for the third time, reaching its planned suborbital trajectory before the booster malfunctioned and the ship was lost during re-entry.
May 2024: Second Spacesuit Unveiled
On May 4, 2024, SpaceX unveiled a second spacesuit designed for extravehicular activity, planned for a spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission.
June 2024: Starlink Mini Introduced
In June 2024, SpaceX launched the Starlink Mini, a more compact and portable satellite internet antenna for mobile use.
June 2024: Lawsuit Filed by Ex-Employees
In June 2024, eight ex-employees filed a lawsuit against Musk and SpaceX alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. These employees were the same ones who had previously been fired for penning the open letter against Elon Musk.
June 2024: SpaceX receives FAA license for Starship's fourth flight
On June 4 2024, SpaceX received the launch license for Starship's fourth flight test, which included a provision allowing subsequent test flights without a mishap investigation under specific conditions, potentially speeding up development.
July 2024: SpaceX announces headquarters move to Starbase, Texas
On July 16 2024, Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX would relocate its headquarters from Hawthorne, California, to SpaceX Starbase in Brownsville, Texas, citing disagreements with California's legislative policies.
August 2024: Environmental Scrutiny and Violations
In August 2024, SpaceX faced increased environmental scrutiny and was cited for violating environmental regulations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The EPA fined SpaceX approximately $150,000.
August 2024: SpaceX officially moves headquarters to Brownsville, Texas
In August 2024, SpaceX officially moved its headquarters to Brownsville, Texas, according to records filed with the California Secretary of State, completing the relocation process.
August 2024: Hawthorne Facility No Longer Headquarters
In August 2024, the Hawthorne facility no longer served as SpaceX's headquarters, however, the move was largely symbolic and the facility remained for the company's operations.
October 2024: Falcon 9 Launch Cadence
As of October 2024, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets have landed and flown again more than 330 times, achieving a launch cadence of 1–2 launches per week.
October 2024: SpaceX achieves successful Starship tower catch
On October 12 2024, SpaceX conducted Starship's fifth flight test, marking the first flight without engine failures and the first successful tower catch.
November 2024: SpaceX conducts Starship's sixth flight test
On November 19 2024, SpaceX launched Starship on its sixth flight test. The booster aborted the catch attempt, while the ship conducted a relight in space.
December 2024: Federal Investigation into Security Violations and Alleged Drug Use
In December 2024, federal agencies investigated SpaceX for security violations as well as Musk's alleged drug use.
December 2024: WSJ Report on Musk's Access to Government Secrets
In December 2024, the WSJ reported that Musk did not have access to government secrets.
2024: Only Pad Supporting Falcon Heavy Launches
As of 2024, Launch Complex 39A is the only pad that supports Falcon Heavy launches.
2024: Active Rocket Engine Test Facility
As of 2024, SpaceX described McGregor facility as the most advanced and active rocket engine test facility in the world.
2024: SpaceX Dominates Space Launch Market
As of 2024, SpaceX is the world's dominant space launch provider, surpassing other private and national programs.
2024: Rideshare and Bandwagon Programs
As of 2024, SpaceX operates Rideshare and Bandwagon programs, providing additional competition for small satellite launchers.
2024: SpaceX Revenue
In 2024, it was estimated that SpaceX has a revenue of over $10 billion.
2024: Hawthorne facility continues to support Falcon launches
In 2024, the Hawthorne facility continued to support SpaceX's Falcon launch vehicles, remaining a vital location for its workhorse product despite the headquarters relocation.
January 2025: Starship seventh flight test results in Super Heavy booster catch but ship failure
On January 16 2025, SpaceX launched Starship on its seventh flight test. The Super Heavy booster was caught, but contact with the ship was lost 8 minutes after launch, resulting in the ship's failure. A mishap investigation was required by the FAA on January 18.
March 2025: Falcon 9 and Heavy Launch Statistics
As of March 3 2025, the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy have been launched 458 times, resulting in 455 full mission successes, one partial success, and one in-flight failure, marking a significant history of launches.
