Rocket Launches Hit Record Levels in 2024, Set to Surge Further in 2025

The year 2024 saw a record-breaking 259 rocket launches globally, continuing a four-year upward trend in spaceflight activity. On average, a launch took place every 34 hours, highlighting the rapid growth of the space industry. This surge was driven by various factors, including the expansion of commercial satellite networks, heightened national security efforts, and an increasing push by multiple nations to develop independent launch capabilities. Industry analysts anticipate even greater activity in 2025, fueled by advancements in rocket technology and the entry of new commercial players into the market.

According to The Space Report, a publication by the Space Foundation, the rise in global launch frequency is expected to persist in the coming years. SpaceX played a dominant role in 2024, accounting for more than half of all launches worldwide. The company completed 132 Falcon 9 missions, with a significant number dedicated to expanding its Starlink satellite constellation, which now serves millions of users globally. Other private space firms, including Rocket Lab and Blue Origin, also contributed to the growing number of commercial launches.

Military and national security satellite deployments saw a sharp rise, particularly in the United States. SpaceX played a key role in launching more than 100 satellites for the classified Starshield constellation, designed to enhance U.S. military communication and reconnaissance capabilities. Overall, military satellite deployments increased by 86 percent compared to previous years. The U.S. maintained its lead in space activity, outpacing China’s launch count by a ratio of more than 2-to-1, reflecting its continued dominance in the sector.

Russia and China also made significant strides in space activities. Russia launched 98 new satellites, focusing heavily on maritime monitoring and security applications. Meanwhile, China remained the second most active nation in spaceflight, with a strong emphasis on both commercial and government-backed missions. As 2025 approaches, industry experts expect even more launches as nations and private companies invest in new technologies, deep-space exploration, and global communication networks.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Appears on GeekBench Ahead of Official Launch

Samsung is gearing up to expand its flagship lineup with the Galaxy S25 Edge, which was subtly teased during the company’s recent Galaxy Unpacked event. While Samsung has yet to officially disclose details about the device, a recent listing on GeekBench suggests that the smartphone is in the works. The Galaxy S25 Edge will join the Galaxy S25 series alongside the standard Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. One notable design feature of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its ultra-thin profile, making it slimmer than the rest of the models in the lineup.

A Samsung smartphone bearing the model number SM-S937B has appeared in the GeekBench database, and based on the listed specifications, it is likely the Galaxy S25 Edge. The device has posted impressive benchmark scores, achieving 2,806 in single-core performance and 8,416 in multi-core performance. The listing also reveals that the smartphone will come with 10.69GB of RAM, which will likely be marketed as 12GB. Additionally, the device is set to launch with Android 15 out of the box, ensuring users get the latest software experience.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by a Qualcomm ARMv8 octa-core chipset, with its base CPU core clocked at 3.53GHz. The processor features two high-performance cores running at 4.47GHz and six efficiency cores clocked at 3.53GHz. These specifications align with the newly announced Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is expected to deliver optimized performance and efficiency. Reports indicate that Samsung may launch the Galaxy S25 Edge as early as April this year, positioning it as a sleek and powerful alternative within the S25 lineup.

Leaks and rumors also suggest that the Galaxy S25 Edge will feature an incredibly slim 6.4mm body, with the thickness around the camera bump reaching 8.3mm. Based on glimpses from the Galaxy Unpacked event, the smartphone is likely to feature a dual-camera setup on the rear. It is expected to house a 200-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL HP2 primary sensor, accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. However, the device may not include a dedicated telephoto camera, which could set it apart from its S25 series counterparts.

Samsung Galaxy F06 5G Debuts in India With 4 Years of Android Updates and 5,000mAh Battery

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy F06 5G in India, positioning it as an affordable 5G smartphone packed with competitive features. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the device ensures smooth performance and efficiency. A key highlight of the smartphone is its commitment to longevity, with Samsung promising four years of Android OS updates and security patches. The Galaxy F06 5G sports a dual-camera setup led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor, providing users with a solid photography experience. Available in two color options, the smartphone will be sold via Flipkart, Samsung’s online store, and select offline retailers.

The pricing of the Samsung Galaxy F06 5G makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The base model, which includes 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at Rs. 10,999. Meanwhile, the higher variant with 6GB RAM and the same storage capacity costs Rs. 11,499. Samsung is also offering a Rs. 500 bank cashback offer, further reducing the effective cost for early buyers. Given its specifications and affordability, the Galaxy F06 5G aims to compete with other budget 5G smartphones in the Indian market.

The device boasts a large 6.7-inch HD+ display with a peak brightness of 800 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under bright lighting conditions. Samsung has optimized the software experience with One UI 7.0, based on Android 15, right out of the box. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, paired with up to 6GB of RAM, has demonstrated strong performance, achieving up to 416,000 points on the AnTuTu benchmark. The phone’s software support policy, promising four years of updates, extends its usability and makes it a future-proof choice in its segment.

In terms of battery and security, the Galaxy F06 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting power. It includes support for 12 5G bands, making it a versatile option for next-gen connectivity. Samsung has also incorporated security features like Samsung Knox Vault, Voice Focus, and Quick Share, enhancing user privacy and convenience. The handset features a stylish ‘Ripple Glow’ finish on the back panel and integrates a fingerprint scanner within the power button for easy access.