John Holst
@illdefined.space
Analyzing the activities, business, and outcomes of the space sector (and more). Sometimes my writing makes sense.
Long thread/17
But by 2024, spacecraft deployments almost reached 3,000–for the year. Even when SpaceX’s Starlink satellite deployments were excluded, spacecraft deployments for 2024 still exceeded 800.
17/20
But by 2024, spacecraft deployments almost reached 3,000–for the year. Even when SpaceX’s Starlink satellite deployments were excluded, spacecraft deployments for 2024 still exceeded 800.
17/20
April 13, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Long thread/17
But by 2024, spacecraft deployments almost reached 3,000–for the year. Even when SpaceX’s Starlink satellite deployments were excluded, spacecraft deployments for 2024 still exceeded 800.
17/20
But by 2024, spacecraft deployments almost reached 3,000–for the year. Even when SpaceX’s Starlink satellite deployments were excluded, spacecraft deployments for 2024 still exceeded 800.
17/20
Long thread/5
I didn’t highlight that for each of those nations, the placement of markets served was the same (excepting China)–communications and then remote sensing spacecraft in a distant second. For China, remote sensing was first, with communications close behind.
5/20
I didn’t highlight that for each of those nations, the placement of markets served was the same (excepting China)–communications and then remote sensing spacecraft in a distant second. For China, remote sensing was first, with communications close behind.
5/20
April 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Long thread/5
I didn’t highlight that for each of those nations, the placement of markets served was the same (excepting China)–communications and then remote sensing spacecraft in a distant second. For China, remote sensing was first, with communications close behind.
5/20
I didn’t highlight that for each of those nations, the placement of markets served was the same (excepting China)–communications and then remote sensing spacecraft in a distant second. For China, remote sensing was first, with communications close behind.
5/20
Long thread/9
..., publishing stories about GPS satellites or comsats but invariably using a hero image of one of Russia’s GLONASS satellites.
9/20
..., publishing stories about GPS satellites or comsats but invariably using a hero image of one of Russia’s GLONASS satellites.
9/20
April 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Long thread/9
..., publishing stories about GPS satellites or comsats but invariably using a hero image of one of Russia’s GLONASS satellites.
9/20
..., publishing stories about GPS satellites or comsats but invariably using a hero image of one of Russia’s GLONASS satellites.
9/20
Long thread/11
Looking at history tells us that while some elaborate defense systems work, they work until someone chooses to avoid the system altogether. The German military did that during World War II, bypassing France’s Maginot Line.
11/21
Looking at history tells us that while some elaborate defense systems work, they work until someone chooses to avoid the system altogether. The German military did that during World War II, bypassing France’s Maginot Line.
11/21
March 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Long thread/11
Looking at history tells us that while some elaborate defense systems work, they work until someone chooses to avoid the system altogether. The German military did that during World War II, bypassing France’s Maginot Line.
11/21
Looking at history tells us that while some elaborate defense systems work, they work until someone chooses to avoid the system altogether. The German military did that during World War II, bypassing France’s Maginot Line.
11/21
Long thread/8
One thing that the Bobs did in the film is research. DOGE isn’t doing that. The Bobs took their time. They talked with people. They seemed to honestly want to help the business become leaner and more profitable without disrupting the whole company.
www.epi.org/blog/doge-is...
8/21
One thing that the Bobs did in the film is research. DOGE isn’t doing that. The Bobs took their time. They talked with people. They seemed to honestly want to help the business become leaner and more profitable without disrupting the whole company.
www.epi.org/blog/doge-is...
8/21
March 23, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Long thread/8
One thing that the Bobs did in the film is research. DOGE isn’t doing that. The Bobs took their time. They talked with people. They seemed to honestly want to help the business become leaner and more profitable without disrupting the whole company.
www.epi.org/blog/doge-is...
8/21
One thing that the Bobs did in the film is research. DOGE isn’t doing that. The Bobs took their time. They talked with people. They seemed to honestly want to help the business become leaner and more profitable without disrupting the whole company.
www.epi.org/blog/doge-is...
8/21
Long thread/18
That is unsurprising because most of the satellites Europeans deployed were small satellites–nearly 93%.
18/22
That is unsurprising because most of the satellites Europeans deployed were small satellites–nearly 93%.
18/22
March 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Long thread/18
That is unsurprising because most of the satellites Europeans deployed were small satellites–nearly 93%.
18/22
That is unsurprising because most of the satellites Europeans deployed were small satellites–nearly 93%.
18/22
Long thread/16
Without OneWeb, the shares of satellites with services provided by the various European operators are below.
16/22
Without OneWeb, the shares of satellites with services provided by the various European operators are below.
16/22
March 16, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Long thread/16
Without OneWeb, the shares of satellites with services provided by the various European operators are below.
16/22
Without OneWeb, the shares of satellites with services provided by the various European operators are below.
16/22
Long thread/14
Despite Europe only conducting three launches in 2023 and again in 2024, more European spacecraft operators deployed spacecraft during those same years.
14/22
Despite Europe only conducting three launches in 2023 and again in 2024, more European spacecraft operators deployed spacecraft during those same years.
14/22
March 16, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Long thread/14
Despite Europe only conducting three launches in 2023 and again in 2024, more European spacecraft operators deployed spacecraft during those same years.
14/22
Despite Europe only conducting three launches in 2023 and again in 2024, more European spacecraft operators deployed spacecraft during those same years.
14/22
Long thread/9
...consisted primarily of OneWeb satellites, but they were launched on Indian and U.S. rockets.
Excluding OneWeb deployments reveals a growth trend for European spacecraft deployments.
9/22
...consisted primarily of OneWeb satellites, but they were launched on Indian and U.S. rockets.
Excluding OneWeb deployments reveals a growth trend for European spacecraft deployments.
9/22
March 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Long thread/9
...consisted primarily of OneWeb satellites, but they were launched on Indian and U.S. rockets.
Excluding OneWeb deployments reveals a growth trend for European spacecraft deployments.
9/22
...consisted primarily of OneWeb satellites, but they were launched on Indian and U.S. rockets.
Excluding OneWeb deployments reveals a growth trend for European spacecraft deployments.
9/22
Long thread/7
The bar chart shows Europe’s spacecraft deployment rise and decline. However, it should be mentioned that between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2022, most spacecraft deployed were OneWeb internet relay satellites.
7/22
The bar chart shows Europe’s spacecraft deployment rise and decline. However, it should be mentioned that between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2022, most spacecraft deployed were OneWeb internet relay satellites.
7/22
March 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Long thread/7
The bar chart shows Europe’s spacecraft deployment rise and decline. However, it should be mentioned that between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2022, most spacecraft deployed were OneWeb internet relay satellites.
7/22
The bar chart shows Europe’s spacecraft deployment rise and decline. However, it should be mentioned that between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2022, most spacecraft deployed were OneWeb internet relay satellites.
7/22
Long thread/18
Without Soyuz, Arianespace’s (and therefore Europe’s) launch total over the past six years was nearly cut in half, from 54 to 33–not even six launches per year.
18/21
Without Soyuz, Arianespace’s (and therefore Europe’s) launch total over the past six years was nearly cut in half, from 54 to 33–not even six launches per year.
18/21
March 9, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Long thread/18
Without Soyuz, Arianespace’s (and therefore Europe’s) launch total over the past six years was nearly cut in half, from 54 to 33–not even six launches per year.
18/21
Without Soyuz, Arianespace’s (and therefore Europe’s) launch total over the past six years was nearly cut in half, from 54 to 33–not even six launches per year.
18/21
Long thread/13
Overall, France conducted 54 launches during those six years, which seems busy compared to launches from Japan and India. However, that six-year total is far from SpaceX’s current annual launch average for the same period—64.
13/21
Overall, France conducted 54 launches during those six years, which seems busy compared to launches from Japan and India. However, that six-year total is far from SpaceX’s current annual launch average for the same period—64.
13/21
March 9, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Long thread/13
Overall, France conducted 54 launches during those six years, which seems busy compared to launches from Japan and India. However, that six-year total is far from SpaceX’s current annual launch average for the same period—64.
13/21
Overall, France conducted 54 launches during those six years, which seems busy compared to launches from Japan and India. However, that six-year total is far from SpaceX’s current annual launch average for the same period—64.
13/21
Long thread/12
...launches was truncated in early 2022, highlighting the end of Europe’s access to Soyuz.
12/21
...launches was truncated in early 2022, highlighting the end of Europe’s access to Soyuz.
12/21
March 9, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Long thread/12
...launches was truncated in early 2022, highlighting the end of Europe’s access to Soyuz.
12/21
...launches was truncated in early 2022, highlighting the end of Europe’s access to Soyuz.
12/21
Long thread/10
Europe averaged one successful orbital launch every four months in 2024. Iran averaged one every three months.
Europe can do better than Iran.
10/21
Europe averaged one successful orbital launch every four months in 2024. Iran averaged one every three months.
Europe can do better than Iran.
10/21
March 9, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Long thread/10
Europe averaged one successful orbital launch every four months in 2024. Iran averaged one every three months.
Europe can do better than Iran.
10/21
Europe averaged one successful orbital launch every four months in 2024. Iran averaged one every three months.
Europe can do better than Iran.
10/21
Long thread/9
The treemap below shows that U.S. space operators deployed more spacecraft in 2024 than any of the other three, over 42% of an estimated 660+. Spacecraft operators from China accounted for nearly 30.5% of spacecraft deployments...
9/21
The treemap below shows that U.S. space operators deployed more spacecraft in 2024 than any of the other three, over 42% of an estimated 660+. Spacecraft operators from China accounted for nearly 30.5% of spacecraft deployments...
9/21
March 2, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Long thread/9
The treemap below shows that U.S. space operators deployed more spacecraft in 2024 than any of the other three, over 42% of an estimated 660+. Spacecraft operators from China accounted for nearly 30.5% of spacecraft deployments...
9/21
The treemap below shows that U.S. space operators deployed more spacecraft in 2024 than any of the other three, over 42% of an estimated 660+. Spacecraft operators from China accounted for nearly 30.5% of spacecraft deployments...
9/21
Long thread/13
...provide commercial services.
Satellites using infrared and optical sensors were nearly equal in deployed numbers. Internet relay satellites, specifically those from China, almost gained an equal share of infrared and optical satellites.
13/20
...provide commercial services.
Satellites using infrared and optical sensors were nearly equal in deployed numbers. Internet relay satellites, specifically those from China, almost gained an equal share of infrared and optical satellites.
13/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Long thread/13
...provide commercial services.
Satellites using infrared and optical sensors were nearly equal in deployed numbers. Internet relay satellites, specifically those from China, almost gained an equal share of infrared and optical satellites.
13/20
...provide commercial services.
Satellites using infrared and optical sensors were nearly equal in deployed numbers. Internet relay satellites, specifically those from China, almost gained an equal share of infrared and optical satellites.
13/20
Long thread/12
Once Starlink was excluded, the number of spacecraft serving civil and military markets remained the same. Their shares, while more significant, remained close to each other. However, over 50% of spacecraft deployed in 2024 aimed to...
12/20
Once Starlink was excluded, the number of spacecraft serving civil and military markets remained the same. Their shares, while more significant, remained close to each other. However, over 50% of spacecraft deployed in 2024 aimed to...
12/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Long thread/12
Once Starlink was excluded, the number of spacecraft serving civil and military markets remained the same. Their shares, while more significant, remained close to each other. However, over 50% of spacecraft deployed in 2024 aimed to...
12/20
Once Starlink was excluded, the number of spacecraft serving civil and military markets remained the same. Their shares, while more significant, remained close to each other. However, over 50% of spacecraft deployed in 2024 aimed to...
12/20
Long thread/10
Excluding the Starlink satellites from the treemap results in something more readable.
The result covers ~819 spacecraft. It’s still a bit obscured when it gets to around 5%. The nations with companies and organizations operating spacecraft that provide the most...
10/20
Excluding the Starlink satellites from the treemap results in something more readable.
The result covers ~819 spacecraft. It’s still a bit obscured when it gets to around 5%. The nations with companies and organizations operating spacecraft that provide the most...
10/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Long thread/10
Excluding the Starlink satellites from the treemap results in something more readable.
The result covers ~819 spacecraft. It’s still a bit obscured when it gets to around 5%. The nations with companies and organizations operating spacecraft that provide the most...
10/20
Excluding the Starlink satellites from the treemap results in something more readable.
The result covers ~819 spacecraft. It’s still a bit obscured when it gets to around 5%. The nations with companies and organizations operating spacecraft that provide the most...
10/20
Long thread/9
Again, thanks to Starlink, satellites with cellular communications capability took the second-highest of deployed payload shares. Remote sensing payloads, such as optical and infrared (maybe), were nearly tied for third in payload shares.
9/20
Again, thanks to Starlink, satellites with cellular communications capability took the second-highest of deployed payload shares. Remote sensing payloads, such as optical and infrared (maybe), were nearly tied for third in payload shares.
9/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Long thread/9
Again, thanks to Starlink, satellites with cellular communications capability took the second-highest of deployed payload shares. Remote sensing payloads, such as optical and infrared (maybe), were nearly tied for third in payload shares.
9/20
Again, thanks to Starlink, satellites with cellular communications capability took the second-highest of deployed payload shares. Remote sensing payloads, such as optical and infrared (maybe), were nearly tied for third in payload shares.
9/20
Long thread/8
Civil and military markets each had less than 10% of deployed spacecraft serving them in 2024.
The dominant payload category of all spacecraft in 2024 was, since Starlink was involved, internet relay.
8/20
Civil and military markets each had less than 10% of deployed spacecraft serving them in 2024.
The dominant payload category of all spacecraft in 2024 was, since Starlink was involved, internet relay.
8/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Long thread/8
Civil and military markets each had less than 10% of deployed spacecraft serving them in 2024.
The dominant payload category of all spacecraft in 2024 was, since Starlink was involved, internet relay.
8/20
Civil and military markets each had less than 10% of deployed spacecraft serving them in 2024.
The dominant payload category of all spacecraft in 2024 was, since Starlink was involved, internet relay.
8/20
Long thread/6
...communications, remote sensing, navigation, etc.
The percentages refer to the 2024 spacecraft deployments (an estimated 2,807). It includes Starlink satellite deployments (Starlinks are a type of communications satellite–internet relay, specifically), which...
6/20
...communications, remote sensing, navigation, etc.
The percentages refer to the 2024 spacecraft deployments (an estimated 2,807). It includes Starlink satellite deployments (Starlinks are a type of communications satellite–internet relay, specifically), which...
6/20
February 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Long thread/6
...communications, remote sensing, navigation, etc.
The percentages refer to the 2024 spacecraft deployments (an estimated 2,807). It includes Starlink satellite deployments (Starlinks are a type of communications satellite–internet relay, specifically), which...
6/20
...communications, remote sensing, navigation, etc.
The percentages refer to the 2024 spacecraft deployments (an estimated 2,807). It includes Starlink satellite deployments (Starlinks are a type of communications satellite–internet relay, specifically), which...
6/20
A study in blissful oblivion.
February 21, 2025 at 8:21 PM
A study in blissful oblivion.
Long thread/8
The “Gregor MacGregors”
This gentleman has worked in the industry for a long time and was polite in using the word “lies.” I suggest that the space industry’s propensity for unfounded and non-factual...
8/27
The “Gregor MacGregors”
This gentleman has worked in the industry for a long time and was polite in using the word “lies.” I suggest that the space industry’s propensity for unfounded and non-factual...
8/27
February 16, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Long thread/8
The “Gregor MacGregors”
This gentleman has worked in the industry for a long time and was polite in using the word “lies.” I suggest that the space industry’s propensity for unfounded and non-factual...
8/27
The “Gregor MacGregors”
This gentleman has worked in the industry for a long time and was polite in using the word “lies.” I suggest that the space industry’s propensity for unfounded and non-factual...
8/27
Long thread/23
About 80 launches in 2024 used 19 types of medium upmass-capable rockets. China’s launch operators conducted 65% of the world’s medium-class launches (~50). About 63% of China’s medium-class rockets are old...
23/27
About 80 launches in 2024 used 19 types of medium upmass-capable rockets. China’s launch operators conducted 65% of the world’s medium-class launches (~50). About 63% of China’s medium-class rockets are old...
23/27
February 9, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Long thread/23
About 80 launches in 2024 used 19 types of medium upmass-capable rockets. China’s launch operators conducted 65% of the world’s medium-class launches (~50). About 63% of China’s medium-class rockets are old...
23/27
About 80 launches in 2024 used 19 types of medium upmass-capable rockets. China’s launch operators conducted 65% of the world’s medium-class launches (~50). About 63% of China’s medium-class rockets are old...
23/27
Long thread/20
U.S. and Chinese launch providers dominated launches of small upmass-capable rockets (a combined 82% of ~33 launches). The Rocket Lab Electron accounted for nearly all U.S. small-class orbital launches conducted in 2024, whereas...
20/27
U.S. and Chinese launch providers dominated launches of small upmass-capable rockets (a combined 82% of ~33 launches). The Rocket Lab Electron accounted for nearly all U.S. small-class orbital launches conducted in 2024, whereas...
20/27
February 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Long thread/20
U.S. and Chinese launch providers dominated launches of small upmass-capable rockets (a combined 82% of ~33 launches). The Rocket Lab Electron accounted for nearly all U.S. small-class orbital launches conducted in 2024, whereas...
20/27
U.S. and Chinese launch providers dominated launches of small upmass-capable rockets (a combined 82% of ~33 launches). The Rocket Lab Electron accounted for nearly all U.S. small-class orbital launches conducted in 2024, whereas...
20/27