A Space X Falcon 9 Rocket carrying a spy satellite in Lompoc California, Image Courtesy of Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France Presse and Getty Images

By Hayden Frishman (‘27)

The United States protects its citizens in many ways: through the Army, Navy, Air Force, and even Space Force. But have you ever imagined a world where the United States can use spy satellites up in space? Open your eyes to the stars, and see this reality. Scientists, companies, and governments have found a new way to take advantage of this abyss over our heads. On October 24, Elon Musk’s company SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket, along with some spy satellites, at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. This is an important milestone for the United States, and our future.

Diagram of a general rocket, Image Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Before looking into the specific details of the satellite and Falcon 9, it is very important to know about the general rocket. Most rockets are composed of six parts: the nose cone, payload system, guidance system, body, propulsion system, and fins. The nose cone is the point at the top, which allows air to flow around the rocket. The payload system contains the astronauts and supplies, while the guidance system has computers and sensors to help control the rocket. The body connects and holds the nose cone, fins, and propulsion system all together. The propulsion system is made up of everything that helps a rocket fly- the engines, fuel, tanks, and pumps. Lastly, the fins keep the rocket balanced while gliding through the air, and control the direction of the rocket. Then… blast off! The gas produced by the smoke and flames creates a reaction to propel a rocket up to the stars.

Elon Musk, owner of the Tesla Automotive Company, launched Space X in 2002. Space X is a private aerospace company, founded with the goal of exploring other planets in the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. One of the rockets SpaceX has flown is the Falcon 9. The Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital class rocket capable of being reflown. The Falcon 9 has had 399 total launches (most being smaller launches and test runs), 355 total landings, and 330 total reflights. With different payloads of fuel, the Falcon 9 could reach Mars or Venus! The Falcon 9 has not just flown many times in space, but has also launched satellites.

For years, satellites have controlled our radio, and helped guide humans to their destinations. Now, satellites are being used for spy purposes. Recently, SpaceX launched spy satellites along with the Falcon 9 for its hundredth fight this year. In the future, these satellites will use lasers to track enemy missiles in order to shoot them down, hoping to accomplish the goal of protecting the United States. Due to this transformative spy equipment, the United States Pentagon and Spy Agencies are preparing to invest for our country’s benefit. Another reason why the United States is so excited about these special satellites is because of China’s satellite advances.

On December 15, 2023, China launched a remote sensing satellite into orbit, entitled the Yaogan-41. Yaogan-41 serves the purpose for estimating crop yield, environmental management, weather forecasting, and disaster prevention. But the Yaogan-41 also is a military reconnaissance satellite, supporting the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. As China has been developing its space force and defensive satellite, so has the United States. As other countries steadily progress, the United States has to make advancements or risk falling behind. 

Space X’s forward momentum of creating defensive satellites will be an important component for the United States’ Space Force in the future, and China’s immediate technological progressions call on the United States to focus on advancing in different fields. In summation, flying into space has increased humans’ knowledge of what is really going on above our heads.