Nichols Martin
Florida, the state that houses U.S. launch operations, hosted a total of 31 launches with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance in 2020, exhibiting a significant growth in liftoff records from previous years, Florida Today reported Friday.
SpaceX held 24 orbital launches with the Falcon 9 rocket in 2020, including those related to the company's Starlink internet service. Additionally, Falcon 9 underwent sub-orbital flight with the Crew Dragon spacecraft for an abort system test.
The company also launched Crew Dragon's first manned mission to the International Space Station in May.
ULA launched the Atlas V rocket five times from Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 37. ULA's launches supported national security and intelligence programs.
Florida's Space Coast region is home to both Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center. The region's launch figure in 2020 is more than double of 2019's 15-launch record.
