2024 Sees Major Advances in Space Exploration

2024 witnessed significant milestones in space exploration, including successful moon landings by Japan, Intuitive Machines, and SpaceX, while Boeing’s Starliner left two astronauts stranded until 2025 due to technical issues. SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission achieved notable feats, such as the first commercial spacewalk and record altitude for orbital flights. China’s Chang'e-6 mission returned samples from the moon's far side, enhancing lunar research. In addition, SpaceX executed a groundbreaking 'chopsticks maneuver' to catch its Super Heavy booster mid-descent, shown to be a major advance in reusable rocketry. Canada also made strides in space innovation, from healthcare advancements for deep space missions to the discovery of sulfur crystals on Mars. The year encapsulated both achievements and challenges, setting a foundational stage for future exploration endeavors.