After doubling launch record in 2022, can SpaceX take another step up in 2023?
Ars TechnicaJan 03, 2023
The Facts
SpaceX launched the fifth Falcon Heavy rocket mission, dubbed "USSF-67," on Sunday, carrying a classified military payload to orbit for the US Space Force.
The Falcon Heavy left pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center at 5:56 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The 27 Merlin engines powering the rocket's central core and twin strap-on boosters generated more than 5M pounds of thrust.
The Spin
Narrative A
SpaceX is accomplishing launch milestones not seen since the Soviet space program in the 1980s. It's remarkable how a private business has made so much progress. While there will be challenges to SpaceX meeting Musk’s aim of launching at least 100 rockets this year, so far the company has given no reason to doubt it.
Narrative B
What SpaceX and other private companies are accomplishing in the commercial space travel realm is exciting. However, more must be done to ensure that the explosion in private space ventures is regulated. International norms must be established to avoid conflict and overcrowding in orbit.
