On Jan. 16, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia launched on its 28th mission, STS-107. NASA had five additional space shuttle missions planned for 2003, but STS-107 was the only one focused on scientific research;

The crawler carrying the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft was built 60 years ago to haul NASA’s Saturn V rockets, then kept around for the Space Shuttle Program. Now, the vehicle is back to its original purpose of positioning Moon-bound rockets on their launch pads.

Space Shuttle Discovery remains intact at the Smithsonian after officials warned relocation could damage the historic orbiter.

Explore the intricate process of launching the Space Shuttle from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Why Elon Musk says saving for retirement will be 'irrelevant' in the next 20 years

The increasing number of commercial space launches and the upward trend in upmass serve as unmistakable signs of space industry growth. Space is a high-risk, high-reward industry, however. Space launches are expensive, and space companies often operate at a loss for years while developing their businesses.

In a strategic push to bolster launch infrastructure amid growing military and commercial demands for orbital access, the United States Space Force has issued two separate Requests for Information (RFIs) in late December 2025, signaling its intent to make prime real estate available for large-scale rockets on the East and West Coasts.