SpaceX Breaks Record with Maximum Rocket Launches Fueled in 2024 (using SpaceX-powered rockets)
In this week's edition of The Innovator, we explore the expansion of the space economy, a company pioneering quantum-integrated circuits, and a revolutionary method for chlorinating organic compounds.
Last year witnessed an unprecedented surge in rocket launches: a staggering 259 orbital attempts, marking a 17% increase over 2023's 221 launches, as reported by Jeff Foust at SpaceNews. Significant contributions to this surge originated from SpaceX, which recorded 134 launches in 2024, surpassing its 2023 figure of 96. Rocket Lab also accomplished a new milestone with 16 launches in 2024, surpassing its 2023 record of 10. The industry is projected to escalate further, with SpaceX aiming for between 175-180 launches in 2025. This growth is expected to escalate the space industry's value to approximately $1.8 trillion by 2035, contrasting with its 2023 value of about $630 billion, according to McKinsey. One key success in this sector has been Starlink, which is forecasted to generate over $2 billion in revenue by 2025 with nearly 8 million subscribers, as predicted by Quilty Analytics.
What may emerge as the next significant protagonists in space? I recently conversed with Robert Savage, the head of markets strategy and insights at BNY. His research suggests that substantial opportunities exist for energy storage to surmount the limitations of current satellites. Furthermore, the urgency of debris removal has been emphasized, as more satellites are being deployed into orbit. Savage remarks that the substantial amount of space debris has become a significant constraint to launching additional satellites. Consequently, a company to address this challenge is urgently required.
This Startup Aims To Revolutionize Quantum Computing
A fundamental component of virtually every device you have ever utilized is a "complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor" more commonly referred to as CMOS. These transistors regulate the flow of electricity in chips and are utilized for a myriad of purposes.
Quantum computers, however, often struggle to function with conventional components like CMOS due to their requirement for temperatures approaching absolute zero. These low temperatures not only dramatically reduce the performance of traditional electronics, but also the heat they generate can disrupt the delicate balance of quantum processors.
As a result, "input/output is a significant bottleneck for quantum computing," Himadri Majumdar informed me. He is the CEO and co-founder of SemiQon, which unveiled a CMOS optimized for cold temperatures in November of last year. This advancement could pave the way for integrated circuits for quantum computers, potentially reducing their size, cost, and improving their overall performance. SemiQon has already produced a 4-qubit quantum processor using its technology, with plans to deliver 12-qubit versions to research customers later this year while continuing development and scaling.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: A More Sustainable Method For Chlorination
The addition of chlorine to organic compounds is instrumental in creating essential materials, such as pharmaceuticals. However, this process often necessitates the use of harsh chemicals, high temperatures, or both. A team of researchers at Rice University have devised a novel chlorination procedure that utilizes blue light and inexpensive catalysts, enabling it to function at room temperature. This method is both sustainable and more precise than traditional methods, ensuring a greater likelihood of producing a pure product. The research was published in Nature Synthesis.
FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE: PARKER PROBE BREAKS THROUGH
Last week, NASA's Parker Solar Probe achieved two remarkable milestones. First, it attained a speed of over 430,000 miles per hour, earning the title of the fastest human-made object ever. Second, it set a record by approaching the surface of the Sun at roughly 4 million miles, surpassing the previous closest approach to the Sun by over 2 million miles. Despite being only 3.83 million miles away from the Sun's surface, the probe managed to gather unprecedented data on the chemical processes that occur within the Sun's atmosphere while withstanding temperatures of over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This is merely the first of several such passes planned for the probe's mission.
INNOVATIONS IN FASHION: LONGEVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CLOTHING
In 2020, Our Website recognized Katherine Homuth for her company Sheertex's development of rip-proof pantyhose, earning Homuth a spot on its 30 Under 30 list in the Manufacturing & Industry category. Fast forward five years later, and Sheertex has grown exponentially, generating $30 million in revenue annually. Homuth anticipates further growth as the company innovates in new areas, such as water-repellent swimsuits promising to dry in half the time of conventional suits.
WHAT ELSE I WROTE THIS WEEK
To commence the New Year, I gathered five major advancements from 2024 that form the basis for technology we'll be utilizing in the future, such as DNA computing and effective drug production in space.
SCIENCE AND TECH BITS
My co-worker Richard Nieva declares that the potential of LLMs to function as "agents" might eventually make digital personal assistants like Siri and Alexa valuable.
Scientists unveil that pancreatic tumors harbor an excess of the enzyme MICAL2. This discovery could potentially open up new avenues for treating one of the deadliest cancers, as tumors with lower MICAL2 levels displayed slower growth.
A team of researchers from Stanford discovered indicators that can forecast the resilience of the immune response following vaccination, which could potentially customize someone’s vaccine booster plan for optimal outcomes.
A new study proposes that modifying the atmosphere to cool the climate may save hundreds of thousands of lives annually from heat-related fatalities, although the repercussions could be substantial.
Utilizing a protein discovered in zebrafish, researchers managed to mend damaged hearts in mice without any adverse effects, which could serve as a stepping stone for regenerative heart treatments in humans.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: CONSERVE NATIVE FLOWERS WITH BASIC GARDENING
The rake might not just be Sideshow Bob's arch-nemesis: it might also be crucial for revitalizing native ecosystems. A new study discovered that removing dead leaves, stems, and other debris from non-native plants in southern California boosts the growth of native wildflowers, although there's a downside of enabling more non-native wildflowers to prosper as well. But "this doesn’t imply that raking is not worthwhile," said study co-author Advyth Ramachandran in a press release. "It’s a straightforward, low-cost method that could be an initial move for restoring these systems." The study was published in the journal Restoration Ecology.
WHAT’S ENTERTAINING ME THIS WEEK
Over the holiday break, I read HHhH, Laurent Binet’s debut novel concerning Operation Anthropoid, the successful World War II plan to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, who was the second-in-command in the SS after Himmler and the architect of the Holocaust. It's not just about the events leading up to the operation, but also an exploration of what it means to write a historical novel. It's a remarkable read.
- In an interview with CNBC, Elon Musk discussed SpaceX's plans to utilize artificial intelligence for rocket design and orbit optimization, aiming to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- NASA's Parker Solar Probe, equipped with advanced AI capabilities, continues to provide invaluable data about the Sun's solar wind and magnetic field, leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth.
- In the field of biotech, a team of chemical engineers at MIT developed a new method for using AI to optimize the production of biofuels, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Engineers at SpaceX are exploring the integration of AI in their starship models to improve efficiency, safety, and the overall mission planning process. This could revolutionize space travel by making it more cost-effective and reliable.
- Elon Musk also announced that SpaceX will enter the biotech industry, focusing on the development of microgravity food production systems using advanced AI-driven processes to ensure nutritional sufficiency for long-duration space missions.
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