Wow....I didn't know about this. This is quite impressive for a private company if true.
China's Space Program Thread II
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
It's not accurate to say that SpaceX alone launches about as many rockets as China. China has a well-established space program with multiple launch facilities and a high launch rate. China typically conducts a significant number of rocket launches each year, including a mix of government missions, commercial launches, and scientific missions.
SpaceX, on the other hand, has been increasing its launch cadence and is known for its frequent rocket launches, especially with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. However, it's essential to note that while SpaceX is a prominent player in the space industry and has made significant strides in reducing the cost of launches, it may not have matched the launch frequency of an entire country like China.
SpaceX's launch rate can vary from year to year, depending on its manifest and customer demand, but it is still only a portion of the global launch market.
escobar
Brigadier
2023: 75 launch for SpaceX vs 51 launch for China. And In term of mass put in orbit SpaceX just outclass China.
EDIT: I just checked and I can say I was stunned. Space X will be launching their 80th rocket launch tonight. That's unbelievable
Seems China has launched about 51 this year so far amd is aiming for almost 70 launches which will still be quite impressive and a record for China. However, seems Space X is aiming for 100 launches this year. Not sure that's even possible. That's not counting other US private launchers like Rocket Lab, Virgin, ULA, firefly aerospace, Blue Origin etc. Seems will are living in quite interesting times for space industry. The coming years will be very interesting for Space enthusiast.
I thought so too. But doesn't seems to be the case. Space X seems to have taken a commanding lead this past years and it's launch frequency has been increasing far faster than anybody else. They are aiming for more and more launches with each passing year. So I think others will have to move even faster to catch up. I don't think it's right to say SpaceX hasn't match the launch frequency of China. Since the stats says the opposite. So they have done quite well. We shouldn't deny that because of politics. If it was a Chinese company I'm sure we will agree to praise them as they deserve as well.
China is doing spectacularly well and has increased her launch count by leaps and bounds. Its just that SpaceX has moved even faster than her competitors.
While SpaceX may have conducted more launches in 2023, it's important to remember that China's space program has been steadily advancing, and the number of launches alone doesn't always tell the whole story. China's space missions have been diverse, including lunar exploration, Mars missions, and space station construction. Furthermore, the mass put in orbit is just one metric; the significance of these missions also depends on their objectives and the scientific and technological advancements they represent. Both SpaceX and China's space program have made substantial contributions to space exploration in their own ways.
yes. SpaceX launches mostly related to Starlink but still impressive launch rate.
China's space program has been rapidly advancing. they still have series of old rockets. and now consolidation/upgradation phase has started. removing boosters , reusable tech and with latest rockets along with private players. Wenchang launch site have expanded.
after 2025, China will be in good position to 100+ launches annually
It is incorrect to directly compare SpaseХ with China. Approximately two thirds of SpaceX launches are Starlink communications satellites. The company works for itself. China has an extensive space program. It launches manned spacecraft, scientific probes, interplanetary probes, remote sensing satellites, communications, meteorology, navigation...