Record Year for Space Launches in 2024

In 2024, several significant events captured public attention in the U.S., including the Alaska Airlines incident where a door plug blew out mid-flight, prompting intense scrutiny of Boeing and leading to heightened safety measures. A tragic collision involving a container ship resulted in the Francis Scott Key Bridge's collapse, killing six construction workers and disrupting the Port of Baltimore's operations. Meanwhile, the aerospace sector achieved notable milestones such as the first private lunar lander landing and the first civilian spacewalk, highlighting advancements in space exploration. NASA is also pushing for private space stations as the ISS approaches its end of life, with companies like Vast Space aiming to launch commercial facilities by 2025. The year also saw Boeing's Starliner facing technical challenges during its crewed mission to the ISS, adding to the narrative of the evolving space industry. The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics showcased global athleticism and unity amid these varied events.