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2022 was a record year for space launches

180 rockets lifted off successfully, with SpaceX driving the pace.
  1. Alexandra Witze
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NASA's Space Launch System rocket with the Orion crew capsule lifts off from its launch complex with boosters ignited.

NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket, carrying the Orion capsule, lifts off on 16 November 2022 as part of the Artemis I mission. Credit: Steve Nesius/Reuters

2022 was a record year for space with 180 successful rocket launches to orbit — the most ever, and 44 more than in 2021. The launches were dominated by rockets from US company SpaceX and from the Chinese government and businesses.

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Nature 613, 426 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00048-7

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