Title: U.S. Space Force‘s Falcon 9? – Space …”>SpaceX launch: Live updates from Starlink Falcon 9 launch at …”>Space Launch Delta 45: The World’s Busiest Spaceport in 2024
The U.S. Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Air Force, civilians, and commercial entities, reigned as the world’s busiest spaceport in 2024, “setting the pace in space”. This remarkable feat was achieved under the dedicated leadership of Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, director of the Eastern Range.
Space Launch Delta 45, comprising guardians, military airmen, and civilians at Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, facilitated a staggering 93 launches from the Eastern Range in 2024. This poles apart from the previous record set in 2023, where the U.S. launched 108 spacecraft, surpassing the precedent established by the Soviet Union in 1982.
The Eastern Range’s success was underpinned by the collaborative efforts between Space Launch Delta 45 and commercial launch service providers. Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen credited their success to “an excellent team of professionals committed to meeting our nation’s space access needs.”
Among the 2024 launches was a historic mission: the first ever spaceflight of a U.S. Space Force guardian. On September 28, Maj. Nick Hague piloted Crew-9 alongside Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, docking with the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission initially planned for a six-month stay evolved to facilitate the return of Sunita Williams and Christopher "Butch" Wilmore from the ISS.
Notable launches also included SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket takeoff and four national security space launches, reinforcing the U.S.’s prowess in the global space domain. Moreover, in collaboration with SpaceX, a Rapid Response Trailblazer mission launched a GPS III SV-07 satellite, bolstering the U.S.’s resilience and combat capability in the space domain.
In 2025, Space Launch Delta 45 continues to gear up for an even more ambitious launch cadence, solidifying its position as the world’s premier space gateway.
Cover image credit: U.S. Space Force – Senior Airman Spencer Contreras
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