Shotwell has an expansive role at the rocket and satellite company, helping to foster its rise. With an IPO looming, the toughest stretch may still lie ahead.

The Federal Communications Commission said on Friday it has approved SpaceX's request to deploy another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites as it works to boost internet service worldwide. The FCC said Elon Musk's SpaceX can now operate an additional 7,

NASA on Friday said the space agency and SpaceX are targeting to undock the agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission from the International Space Station no earlier than 5 p.m.

The FCC's partial grant lets SpaceX operate 7,500 more satellites, for a total of over 19,000 in Earth's orbit, and use even more radio bands at higher power limits.

The FCC approved SpaceX to deploy 15,000 next-generation Starlink satellites, unlocking gigabit-speed internet and direct-to-cell connectivity while fueling speculation around a potential trillion-dollar IPO.

SpaceX has the first of a series of afternoon launches on tap Friday with another Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral.

The number of orbital launch attempts worldwide last year surpassed the record 2024 flight rate by 25 percent, with SpaceX and China accounting for the bulk of the launch activity, Aviation Week & Space Technology reports.

Could SpaceX launch a new design of Starship in January? Here's what to know about a mission Elon Musk's company refers to as flight 12.