The space industry has witnessed a remarkable year, with historic milestones, ambitious missions, and significant setbacks. As we reflect on the past 12 months, it's clear that 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal year in the pursuit of space exploration and development.

One of the most notable achievements was SpaceX's successful catch of the Super Heavy booster, a feat that marked a historic day in spaceflight. The company's Starship test program has made incredible progress, with four launches in 2024, bringing the total to six overall. The Super Heavy booster's return to the launch site, caught by two large arms jutting out from the launch tower, demonstrated SpaceX's innovative approach to booster reuse.

However, not all missions were successful. Boeing's Starliner mission, which lifted off in June, was marred by technical malfunctions, prompting a months-long investigation. The decision to return the two onboard astronauts using a SpaceX Dragon capsule in the spring was a major blow to Boeing, which has incurred about $1.6 billion in cost overruns developing Starliner.

In another significant development, the Polaris Dawn crew performed the first private spacewalk, led by billionaire founder Jared Isaacman. The mission, which partnered with SpaceX, saw two crew members emerge from the top of their vehicle, a specially equipped Dragon, for about ten minutes each. The spacewalk demonstrated the capabilities of commercial space companies and the potential for private space exploration.

The year also saw a surge in lunar landing attempts, with two private companies and two nations taking aim at the moon. While the outcomes were mixed, the breadth of players attempting to reach the moon's surface marked a significant shift in the space industry. China's Chiang'e 6 mission, which successfully landed and returned samples from the far side of the moon, was a notable exception.

The Department of Defense, one of the space industry's largest customers, also made significant investments in commercial providers. The Space Force awarded major contracts to companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Anduril, signaling its willingness to pay big dollars for capabilities that can deliver.

As we look back on 2024, it's clear that the space industry has made significant strides. From historic milestones to ambitious missions, the past year has set the stage for a new era of space exploration and development. With private companies and governments pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the future of space travel and exploration looks brighter than ever.

As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor the progress of companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and others, as well as the investments made by governments and private entities. With the space industry poised for continued growth and innovation, one thing is certain – the next year will be just as exciting and unpredictable as the last.