History of SpaceX in Timeline
SpaceX, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Texas, is a dominant American space technology company. It has spearheaded advancements in rocket propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight, and satellite constellation technology. By 2024, SpaceX became the world's leading space launch provider, surpassing both private competitors and national programs. It maintains close collaborations with NASA and the United States Armed Forces through government contracts.
2002: SpaceX Founded
In 2002, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) was founded, marking the beginning of its journey in space technology.
2003: SpaceX Leases McGregor Facility
In 2003, SpaceX leased the McGregor facility, previously used by Beal Aerospace, starting with 256 acres (104 ha).
2004: SpaceX Protests NASA Contract
In 2004, SpaceX protested a sole-source NASA contract awarded to Kistler Aerospace. NASA withdrew the contract and formed the COTS program.
November 2005: SpaceX Employee Count Reaches 160
By November 2005, SpaceX had grown to 160 employees, with Elon Musk personally interviewing and approving all early hires.
2005: SpaceX Announces Human-Rated Space Program
In 2005, SpaceX announced plans to pursue a human-rated commercial space program, which would later become the Dragon spacecraft.
2005: SpaceX Awarded IDIQ Contract by USAF
In 2005, SpaceX announced that it had been 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: Decision to Develop Falcon 9
In 2005, SpaceX decided to proceed with the development of the Falcon 9, a reusable heavier lift vehicle, instead of the Falcon 5.
2006: NASA Awards SpaceX COTS Contract
In 2006, NASA selected SpaceX and awarded $396 million to provide crew and cargo resupply demonstration contracts to the International Space Station (ISS) under the COTS program.
2006: NASA COTS Phase 1 Contract
In 2006, SpaceX won a NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Phase 1 contract to demonstrate cargo delivery to the ISS.
2006: First Falcon 1 Launch
In 2006, the first of three Falcon 1 launches, purchased by the United States Department of Defense under the DARPA Falcon Project, resulted in failure.
2006: ULA Monopoly on Classified Launches Ends
In 2015, SpaceX was certified for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) which broke the monopoly held since 2006 by United Launch Alliance (ULA) over U.S. Air Force launches of classified payloads.
April 2007: Pentagon Approves SLC-40 for SpaceX
In April 2007, the Pentagon approved the use of Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) by SpaceX.
September 28, 2008: Falcon 1 Achieves First Successful Launch
On September 28, 2008, SpaceX achieved its first successful launch with the Falcon 1 on its fourth attempt. Musk split his remaining $30 million between SpaceX and Tesla. NASA then awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract in December, saving the company financially.
2008: Falcon 1 Achieves Orbit
In 2008, the Falcon 1 rocket achieved a successful launch into orbit after three previous failed attempts, marking a crucial milestone for SpaceX.
2008: Third Falcon 1 Launch Failure
In 2008, the third launch of the Falcon 1 rocket resulted in failure, bringing SpaceX near collapse. Tesla Motors and SolarCity were also facing financial difficulties, and Musk was under extreme stress.
July 2009: Falcon 1 Retired After Second Successful Launch
In July 2009, following its second successful launch, the Falcon 1 was retired to allow SpaceX to focus resources on the development of the Falcon 9. Gwynne Shotwell was also promoted to company president for her role in negotiating the CRS contract with NASA.
June 2010: First Launch of Falcon 9
In June 2010, the Falcon 9 launched for the first time with the Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit, a mockup of the Dragon spacecraft.
December 2010: First Operational Dragon Spacecraft Launched
In December 2010, the first operational Dragon spacecraft was launched aboard COTS Demo Flight 1, the Falcon 9's second flight, and safely returned to Earth after two orbits. By the same month, the SpaceX production line was manufacturing one Falcon 9 and Dragon every three months.
December 2010: SpaceX Achieves Historic Launch and Recovery
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: COTS Demonstration Flight Success
After a successful COTS demonstration flight in 2010, SpaceX was chosen to receive a Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract.
April 2011: NASA Awards SpaceX CCDev Contract
In April 2011, NASA awarded SpaceX a $75 million contract as part of its second-round Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program to develop an integrated launch escape system for the Dragon spacecraft in preparation for human-rating.
2011: SpaceX Awarded First NASA CCDev Contract
In 2011, SpaceX was awarded its first contract as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program. The program aimed to develop commercially operated spacecraft capable of delivering astronauts to the ISS.
2011: Lease of Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
In 2011, Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4E) was leased from the military for payloads to polar orbits.
2011: First Crewed Launch from U.S. since 2011
May 30, 2020, marked the first time since 2011 that a crewed vehicle had launched from the U.S.
May 2012: Dragon Berthed with the ISS
In May 2012, Dragon successfully berthed with the ISS during SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 2, 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, leading to a near doubling of SpaceX's private equity valuation to $2.4 billion.
August 2012: NASA Awards SpaceX SAA
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 Launch
In October 2012, SpaceX CRS-1, the first of 12 planned resupply missions, was launched. It achieved orbit, berthed with the ISS, remained on station for 20 days, and then re-entered the atmosphere, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
December 2012: SpaceX Announces First Launch Contracts with U.S. 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 Resupply Missions
In 2012, SpaceX completed all COTS test flights and began Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Also, around this time, SpaceX started developing hardware to make the Falcon 9 first stage reusable.
2012: SpaceX Receives Another NASA CCDev Contract
In 2012, SpaceX received another contract from NASA to continue the development and testing of its Dragon 2 spacecraft, as part of the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program.
2012: No Commercial Launches from the U.S.
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.
2012: Reusability Test Program Begins
In late 2012, SpaceX began its active reusability test program, focusing on low-altitude, low-speed aspects of landing technology with Falcon 9 prototypes performing vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL).
2013: First Commercial Mission for Private Customer
In 2013, SpaceX launched its first commercial mission for a private customer, marking a significant step in its commercial operations.
2013: High-Velocity Atmospheric Return Tests Begin
In late 2013, SpaceX began high-velocity, high-altitude tests of the booster atmospheric return technology, a key component of its reusability program.
2013: Falcon 9 Impacts Launch Market Prices
Prior to 2013, the commercial satellite launch market was dominated by Arianespace and International Launch Services. With a published price of $56.5 million per launch to low Earth orbit, Falcon 9 rockets became the least expensive, leading to market pressure on competitors to lower their prices.
April 14, 2014: Lease for 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 Issues Permit for Starbase
In July 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the permit for the SpaceX Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
August 2014: First Plans for Starbase Announced
In August 2014, SpaceX announced the first plans for the SpaceX Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
September 2014: NASA Awards SpaceX CCtCap Contract
In September 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract to finalize the development of the Crew Transportation System, including uncrewed and crewed flight tests and six operational missions.
September 2014: NASA Selects SpaceX and Boeing for Crew Transport Development
In September 2014, NASA chose SpaceX and Boeing as the two companies to be funded for developing systems to transport U.S. crews to and from the ISS. SpaceX was awarded $2.6 billion to complete and certify Dragon 2 by 2017.
January 2015: SpaceX Raises $1 Billion in Funding
In January 2015, SpaceX raised $1 billion in funding from Google and Fidelity Investments in exchange for 8.33% of the company, valuing SpaceX at approximately $12 billion. The same month SpaceX announced the development of Starlink to provide global broadband internet service.
May 2015: SpaceX Completes Crew Dragon Pad Abort Test
In May 2015, SpaceX completed the first key flight test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft, which was a Pad Abort Test, demonstrating the launch escape system.
June 2015: Hyperloop Competition Announcement
In June 2015, SpaceX announced that it would sponsor a Hyperloop competition and build a subscale test track near SpaceX's headquarters.
June 2015: Falcon 9 CRS-7 Mission Failure
In late June 2015, the Falcon 9 experienced its first major failure during the seventh ISS resupply mission, CRS-7, when it exploded two minutes into the flight due to a failed steel strut within the second stage.
December 2015: First Successful First Stage Landing
In December 2015, SpaceX achieved a successful landing and recovery of a Falcon 9 first stage with Falcon 9 Flight 20, a significant milestone in reusable rocket technology.
2015: McGregor Facility Expansion
By 2015, SpaceX had expanded the McGregor facility significantly to 4,000 acres (1,600 ha).
2015: DSCOVR Launched on Falcon 9
In 2015, Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) was launched on a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, as part of an earlier contract awarded to SpaceX by the United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.
2015: First Successful First-Stage Landing
In 2015, SpaceX demonstrated the first successful landing of a Falcon 9 first stage, marking a major step toward reusable rocket technology.
2015: ULA Reacts to SpaceX Competition
In 2015, anticipating a slump in domestic, military, and spy launches, United Launch Alliance (ULA) stated that it would go out of business unless it won commercial satellite launch orders. ULA announced a major restructuring to decrease launch costs by half.
2015: Construction Ramps Up at Starbase
In 2015, construction ramped up at the new SpaceX Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica.
2015: Starlink Development Begins
In 2015, development began on Starlink, an internet satellite constellation under development by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX.
2015: Falcon 9 v1.1 Certified for NSSL
In 2015, the Falcon 9 v1.1 was certified for National Security Space Launch (NSSL), enabling SpaceX to contract launch services to the Air Force for classified payloads.
2015: SLC-4W Converted to Landing Zone 4
In 2015, the neighboring SLC-4W at Vandenberg was converted to Landing Zone 4 for booster landings.
2015: Starlink Operations Open in Redmond
In early 2015, Starlink's satellite development and manufacturing operations campus opened its first building 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 first-stage booster landings.
January 2016: CRS Phase 2 Contract Awarded
In January 2016, a second phase of Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts was awarded, with SpaceX being one of the recipients. As part of this contract, SpaceX was slated to fly up to nine additional CRS flights using the upgraded Dragon 2 spacecraft.
April 2016: First Landing on Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship
In April 2016, SpaceX achieved the first successful landing on the autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS) Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic Ocean.
April 2016: SpaceX Awarded First National Security Launch
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. This was approximately 40% less than the estimated cost for similar previous missions.
September 2016: Falcon 9 Explosion During Test
In early September 2016, a Falcon 9 exploded during a propellant fill operation for a pre-launch static fire test, destroying the AMOS-6 communications satellite. The explosion was caused by liquid oxygen solidifying and igniting with carbon composite helium vessels.
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, demonstrating the economic benefits of reusability.
2016: Falcon 9 Pre-Flight Failure
In 2016, a Falcon 9 experienced a pre-flight failure before a static fire test.
2016: Alleged Sexual Misconduct Incident
In May 2022, a Business Insider article alleged that Elon Musk engaged in sexual misconduct with a SpaceX flight attendant in a private jet in 2016.
2016: Raptor Engine Test Firing
In late 2016, development versions of the Raptor liquid oxygen and liquid methane-fueled engines were test-fired.
January 2017: SpaceX Returns to Flight
In January 2017, SpaceX returned to flight after a four-month launch hiatus following the Falcon 9 explosion in September 2016.
March 2017: First Re-launch of a Returned Falcon 9
In March 2017, SpaceX 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, making it the first landing of a reused orbital class rocket.
May 1, 2017: First NRO Launch by SpaceX
On May 1, 2017, the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) purchased and conducted its first launch from SpaceX.
July 2017: SpaceX Valuation Increases to $21 Billion
In July 2017, SpaceX raised $350 million, increasing its valuation to $21 billion.
2017: Target Certification Date for Dragon 2
By 2017, SpaceX was contracted to complete and certify the Dragon 2 spacecraft for crewed missions to the ISS. This was part of a $2.6 billion contract awarded in September 2014.
2017: First Re-launch of Falcon 9 First Stage
In 2017, SpaceX achieved the first re-launch of a Falcon 9 first stage, demonstrating the viability of reusable rocket technology.
2017: First Hyperloop Competition
In 2017, SpaceX held the first annual Hyperloop competition.
2017: Starship Development Intention
In 2017, SpaceX intended that the Starship system would supersede the company's existing launch vehicle hardware by the early 2020s.
2017: Initial Starlink Prototype Launch
In 2017, initial prototype test-flight satellites for Starlink were launched on the SpaceX Paz satellite mission.
March 2018: SpaceX Leads in Commercial Launch Contracts
By March 2018, SpaceX had over 100 launches on its manifest, representing about $12 billion in contract revenue. This made SpaceX the leading global commercial launch provider by manifested launches.
March 2018: SpaceX Secures Contract for Additional GPS III Satellite Launches
In March 2018, SpaceX secured an additional $290 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to launch another three GPS III satellites.
July 2018: Mini-Submarine for Thailand Rescue
In July 2018, Musk had employees build a mini-submarine to assist in the Thailand cave rescue, but it was ultimately deemed impractical by rescue team leaders.
2018: Falcon Heavy First Flight
In 2018, the Falcon Heavy rocket, assembled from three Falcon 9 boosters, completed its first flight after more than a decade of development.
2018: SpaceX Contracts
SpaceX had approximately thirty missions on the manifest for 2018 alone, representing over $12 billion under contract.
February 2019: SpaceX Secures 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, all slated to launch no earlier than FY 2021.
June 25, 2019: Space Test Program 2 (STP-2) Launched
On June 25, 2019, Space Test Program 2 (STP-2) was launched on a Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. This launch was part of a contract with the United States Department of Defense (DoD).
2019: Last Hyperloop Competition
In 2019, SpaceX held the last annual Hyperloop competition.
2019: First Flight of Raptor Engine
In 2019, the Raptor engine flew for the first time, powering the Starhopper vehicle to an altitude of 20 m (66 ft).
2019: First Operational Starlink Satellite Online
In 2019, the first operational satellite of the Starlink internet satellite constellation was deployed.
2019: First Suborbital Launches from Starbase
In 2019, the first suborbital launches took place from the SpaceX Starbase facility in Boca Chica.
2019: SpaceX Conducts Uncrewed Test Flight
In early 2019, SpaceX successfully conducted a full uncrewed test flight. The capsule docked to the ISS and then splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean.
2019: First Dragon 2 Flight
In early 2019, the second-generation Dragon 2 spacecraft conducted its first flight to the ISS, without a crew.
2019: Pad 39A Being Prepared for Starship Launches
Pad 39A had been prepared since 2019 to eventually accommodate Starship launches.
January 2020: SpaceX Conducts In-Flight Abort Test
In January 2020, SpaceX conducted an in-flight abort test. This was the last test flight before flying crew, and involved the Dragon spacecraft firing its launch escape engines in a simulated abort scenario.
March 2020: Dragon XL Reveal
In March 2020, SpaceX revealed the Dragon XL, a resupply spacecraft for NASA's planned Lunar Gateway space station under a Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) contract.
April 2020: SpaceX CRS-20 Departure and Dragon 1 Retirement
In April 2020, the final Dragon 1 mission, SpaceX CRS-20, departed from the ISS. Following this mission, Dragon 1 was retired from service.
May 2020: NASA Reports on Commercial Launch Market Share
In May 2020, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine remarked that thanks to NASA's investments into SpaceX, the United States had 70% of the commercial launch market, a major improvement since 2012 when there were no commercial launches from the country.
May 30, 2020: First Crewed Mission to ISS from Launch Pad 39A
SpaceX launched its first crewed mission to the ISS from Launch Pad 39A on May 30, 2020.
June 20, 2020: Third GPS III Launch by SpaceX
On June 20, 2020, SpaceX launched the third GPS III satellite for the U.S. Air Force.
August 2020: SpaceX Awarded National Security Space Launch Contract
In August 2020, the U.S. Space Force awarded its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) contracts for the following 5–7 years. SpaceX won a contract for $316 million for one launch and was set to handle 40% of the U.S. military's satellite launch requirements over the period.
November 16, 2020: Crew-1 Mission Launched to the ISS
On November 16, 2020, the Crew-1 mission was successfully launched to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, along with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, all members of the Expedition 64 crew.
December 2020: First Dragon 2 Cargo Flight
In December 2020, the cargo variant of Dragon 2 flew for the first time, resupplying the ISS as part of the CRS contract with NASA.
2020: SpaceX Begins Crewed Missions
In 2020, SpaceX began operating Dragon 2 capsules to deliver crewed missions for NASA and private entities.
2020: COVID-19 Antibody-Testing Program
In 2020, SpaceX, in collaboration with doctors and academic researchers, invited employees to participate in a COVID-19 antibody-testing program.
2020: Starlink Initial Test Operation
In late 2020, initial test operation of the Starlink constellation began.
April 23, 2021: Crew-2 Mission Launched to the ISS
On April 23, 2021, Crew-2 was launched to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and K. Megan McArthur, JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
April 24, 2021: Crew-2 Mission Successfully Docked
On April 24, 2021, the Crew-2 mission successfully docked with the International Space Station after launching the previous day.
July 2021: Second Raptor Engine Production Facility Announced
In July 2021, SpaceX announced plans to build a second production facility for Raptor engines at McGregor, with the goal of producing 800 to 1,000 engines per year.
December 2021: Claims of Workplace Sexual Harassment Published
In December 2021, claims of workplace sexual harassment from five former SpaceX employees were published, including claims of unwanted advances and a culture of sexual harassment existing at the company.
2021: National Security Missions Slated to Launch
In February 2019, SpaceX secured a contract from the U.S. Air Force to launch another three national security missions, all slated to launch no earlier than FY 2021.
2021: SpaceX Signed Contract with the National Reconnaissance Office
In March 2024, Reuters reported that, as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed with the National Reconnaissance Office in 2021, SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites capable of operating as a swarm in low orbits.
2021: Starlink First Orders
In early 2021, Starlink took its first orders, with customers expecting internet service speeds of 50 Mbit/s to 150 Mbit/s and latency from 20 ms to 40 ms.
May 2022: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Musk
In May 2022, a Business Insider article alleged that Elon Musk engaged in sexual misconduct with a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016. In response, some employees wrote an open letter and asked the company to clearly define SpaceX's "no-asshole" and "zero tolerance" policies.
November 2022: SpaceX Announces Executive Changes at 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 the Cape Canaveral site. These moves demonstrated the urgency to get Starship flying.
December 2022: Starshield Program Announced
In December 2022, SpaceX announced Starshield, a program to incorporate military or government entity payloads on board a Starlink-derived satellite bus.
December 2022: Starlink Reaches 1 Million Subscribers
In December 2022, Starlink reached over 1 million subscribers worldwide.
2022: Starship Preparation at 39A Accelerated
With delays in launch FAA permits for Boca Chica, Texas, the 39A Starship preparation was accelerated in 2022.
February 2023: Oil Rigs Sold
As of February 2023, SpaceX sold floating launch platforms (modified oil rigs) intended for use as sea launch options for Starship. However, sea-based platforms for future use had not been ruled out.
August 2023: DOJ Files Lawsuit Against SpaceX for Hiring Discrimination
In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against SpaceX for discriminating against refugees and asylum seekers in its hiring process, alleging that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act.
2023: Reuters Reports on Workplace Injuries at SpaceX
In 2023, Reuters reported that SpaceX employees were paying the price for Elon Musk's push to colonize space at breakneck speed and documented at least 600 previously unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, including one death. The report noted that injury rates were higher than the industry's averages.
2023: Orbital Launches Begin from Starbase
In 2023, orbital launches began from the SpaceX Starbase facility in Boca Chica.
March 2024: Reuters Reports on SpaceX Building Spy Satellite Network
In March 2024, Reuters reported that, as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed with the National Reconnaissance Office in 2021, SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites capable of operating as a swarm in low orbits.
May 4, 2024: Second Spacesuit Unveiled
On May 4, 2024, SpaceX unveiled a second spacesuit designed for extravehicular activity, intended for use during a spacewalk on the Polaris Dawn mission.
June 2024: Starlink Mini Introduced
In June 2024, SpaceX introduced the "Starlink Mini", a compact version of its Starlink antennas designed for mobile satellite internet use, offered for $599 in an early access release.
June 2024: Ex-Employees File Lawsuit Against Musk and SpaceX
In June 2024, eight ex-employees, who had previously been fired for penning the open letter against Elon Musk, filed a lawsuit against Musk and SpaceX alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.
August 2024: SpaceX Headquarters Relocation
In August 2024, SpaceX relocated its headquarters, though the Hawthorne facility will continue to be part of the company's operations.
August 2024: SpaceX Cited for Environmental Violations
In August 2024, SpaceX was cited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for violating environmental regulations at the Starbase facility and was fined by the EPA for Clean Water Act violations.
October 2024: Falcon 9 Launch Cadence
As of October 2024, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets have achieved more than 330 landings and re-flights, with a launch rate of 1–2 launches per week.
December 2024: WSJ Reports Musk Lacked Access to Government Secrets
In December 2024, WSJ reported that Musk didn't have access to government secrets.
December 2024: Federal Agencies Investigate SpaceX
In December 2024, federal agencies investigated SpaceX for security violations as well as Elon Musk's alleged drug use.
2024: Pad 39A Supports Falcon Heavy
As of 2024, Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A is the only pad that supports Falcon Heavy launches.
2024: Engine Test Facility Overview
As of 2024, SpaceX calls their engine test facility the most advanced and active, having conducted over 7,000 tests since it opened with seven engine test fires on a typical day.
2024: SpaceX Dominates Space Launch
As of 2024, SpaceX is the dominant space launch provider worldwide, exceeding all other private competitors and national programs.
2024: SpaceX Operates Rideshare Programs
As of 2024, SpaceX operates Rideshare and Bandwagon (mid inclination) programs, which provides additional competition for small satellite launchers.
2024: SpaceX Revenue Estimated
In 2024, a space industry newspaper estimated that SpaceX has a revenue of over $10 billion.
February 2025: DOJ Files Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Against SpaceX
In February 2025, the DOJ filed a motion to dismiss the case with prejudice.
April 2025: Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy Launch Statistics
As of April 2025, the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy had completed 478 launches, achieving 475 full mission successes, one partial success, and one in-flight failure.
2025: Starship Flight 7 Rocket Explosion
In 2025, the SpaceX Starship Flight 7 rocket exploded, scattering debris into the atmosphere across the Caribbean Sea. This incident also released significant amounts of harmful air pollution into the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere.
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