U.S. Space Force Eastern Range Breaks Records with 93 Launches in 2024

The Eastern Range, operated by Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) at Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, shattered records in 2024 with an astonishing 93 successful launches. This monumental achievement solidified its position as the world’s busiest spaceport, propelling 1,389 orbital assets into space and showcasing the rapid evolution of U.S. space capabilities.

A Historic Year for Space Launches

2024 marked the second consecutive year that the U.S. Space Force exceeded global launch records. With 93 launches, the Eastern Range surpassed the 2023 record of 108 launches, a milestone that had already broken the Soviet Union's 1982 record. These back-to-back achievements underscore the increasing pace of space operations and the critical role the Eastern Range plays in advancing both national and global interests.

Leadership and Collaboration

Brigadier General Kristin Panzenhagen, director of the Eastern Range, emphasized the synergy between SLD 45 and its commercial partners. She attributed the year’s success to a shared commitment to ensuring reliable and efficient space access for national security, international allies, and commercial enterprises. “Our team’s dedication to innovation and operational excellence is unmatched,” Panzenhagen remarked, highlighting the Eastern Range’s pivotal role in maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration and defence.

Highlights of 2024

One of the most remarkable moments of the year was the historic Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024. This mission saw Colonel Nick Hague become the first United States Space Force Guardian to journey into space, accompanied by Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Hague’s participation not only marked a milestone for the U.S. Space Force but also symbolized international collaboration, as his mission facilitated the safe return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).

In addition to Crew-9, the Eastern Range successfully executed four National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. These missions deployed advanced payloads essential for missile detection, intelligence gathering, and global surveillance. Among them, the Rapid Response Trailblazer mission on December 16, 2024, stood out for its agility. It launched a GPS III Space Vehicle (SV-07) in record time, showcasing the U.S.’s ability to adapt to urgent military requirements and demonstrating its technological superiority in space-based defence systems.

Commercial Space Surge

The Eastern Range’s record-breaking year was not limited to military and national missions. It was also fueled by a surge in commercial launches, reflecting the growing role of private companies in space exploration. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) contributed significantly to the Eastern Range’s bustling activity. The successful deployment of a diverse array of satellites—ranging from communications and weather monitoring to Earth observation and research—highlighted the versatility of the spaceport and its ability to cater to a wide spectrum of missions.

Preparing for the Future

As the Eastern Range closes out its record-breaking year, preparations are already underway to handle an even greater workload in 2025. With the demand for space access showing no signs of slowing, Brigadier General Panzenhagen has projected a higher launch cadence in the coming year. Investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, and enhanced coordination with commercial partners will be critical to sustaining this momentum.

The Eastern Range is set to remain the world’s premier gateway to space, leading the way in innovation, collaboration, and strategic capability. Its accomplishments in 2024 not only demonstrate the U.S.’s unparalleled expertise in space operations but also lay the groundwork for a future where space becomes an even more integral part of global progress and security.

A New Era for Space Exploration

The Eastern Range’s success is more than a testament to technical prowess—it’s a symbol of the U.S.’s enduring commitment to space exploration and defence. As we look to 2025, the achievements of 2024 serve as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies ahead in the ever-expanding frontier of space.