The space economy is experiencing rapid growth, with rocket launches setting new records last year. SpaceX led the charge, launching 134 rockets in 2024, up from 96 in 2023. The company aims to launch between 175-180 rockets in 2025. This surge in activity is expected to drive industry growth to $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023.
A new study suggests that energy storage technology could be a major winner in the space sector. Robert Savage, head of markets strategy and insights at BNY, predicts big opportunities for energy storage to overcome limitations for current satellites. Debris removal is also becoming increasingly important as more satellites are launched into orbit.
Meanwhile, companies like SemiQon are working on innovative technologies to support quantum computing. The company has developed a CMOS that can operate at extremely cold temperatures, paving the way for integrated circuits for quantum computers. This technology could lead to significant reductions in size and cost, as well as improved performance.
In other news, researchers have made breakthroughs in various fields, including chemistry and climate engineering. A team at Rice University has developed a new method for chlorinating organic compounds using blue light, while scientists are exploring the possibility of geoengineering the atmosphere to cool the climate.
The article concludes with a note on sustainable clothing, highlighting Forbes’ recent recognition of Sheertex’s development of rip-proof pantyhose and its plans to expand into new materials.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2025/01/03/the-prototype-spacex-powered-a-record-number-of-rocket-launches-in-2024