SpaceX has launched its last mission of the year.

In a spectacular finale to a record-breaking year, SpaceX successfully launched its final mission of 2024 on December 31, sending 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, into low Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:34 a.m. EST, marking the company's 134th flight of the Falcon series this year — 38 more than in 2023. This launch signifies SpaceX's commitment to expanding its global internet coverage through its Starlink constellation, which is now composed of over 6,850 active satellites. SpaceX's efficiency was on full display, as this mission was part of a remarkable three-launch streak within just three days. The first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully returned to its droneship, 'Just Read the Instructions,' in the Atlantic, showcasing SpaceX's revolutionary reusability model that significantly reduces launch costs. Throughout the year, SpaceX faced challenges including temporary fleet groundings due to anomalies but navigated these hurdles effectively, ultimately achieving a nearly 40% increase in launches. Looking forward, SpaceX aims to intensify its launch schedule in 2025, with plans for more commercial astronaut missions and partnerships, such as launching Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon. This year has not only marked a leap in the frequency of launches but also reflects the growing importance of satellite internet in an increasingly digital world. As SpaceX continues to expand Starlink, it faces scrutiny over the impact of its satellite networks on astronomical observations — a concern that they are addressing by experimenting with less-reflective satellite coatings. In conclusion, SpaceX's end-of-year mission encapsulates their relentless push toward space commercialization and technological innovation. With advances in satellite technology and launch capabilities, SpaceX is not just closing out 2024 but setting new milestones for the future of space exploration and broadband accessibility. This analysis has been reviewed and prepared by artificial intelligence.