Max Q: 2022 was big. 2023 will be even bigger.

I hope you had a relaxing holiday season and a happy new year. I would like to extend my gratitude to all Max Q readers, whether you have been with me for many issues or just recently subscribed. I'm happy you're here.

The format for the newsletter will be different. At the risk of having an egg on my face at the end of the year, I will give some predictions for the coming year.

It was a big year for the space industry. 2023 will be even bigger.

It may have been the most popular year for space since 1969 It has been a momentous year with the launch of the Space Launch System and the return of the Orion capsule.

Next year could be even bigger than this one because there is so much to look forward to. Some announced timelines that may or may not come to fruition are some of the questions that remain. Click the link above to read the rest of the predictions

1. More pressure on launch

As more next-gen vehicles come online, there will be increased pressure on the launch market. We are not just looking out for the heavy-lift rockets, but a whole slew of smaller and medium-lift launch vehicles that are aiming for low cost. ABL Space Systems has a rocket, and Orbex has a micro launcher. It is likely that at least a few new rockets will fly for the first time next year, despite the fact that space industry timelines are notoriously difficult.

The image is from the space station.

Proving new vehicles drives prices down and increases inventory, meaning more launches and dates are available to private and government concerns, and incumbent players will need to work hard to keep the lead

2. Big developments from the U.K., China and India

The international space scene will keep growing. We have our eyes on the United Kingdom, China and India. We expect to see the country's first-ever space launch from Spaceport Cornwall in the U.K. There will be a lot of activity from the Indian Space Research Organization and Skyroot. We think there will be no slowdown next year as China tries to keep pace with American industrial growth.

It's not clear how the decentralization of private space beyond a few major launch providers and locations will affect the industry.

Greg Robinson is credited with the image.

Here, you can read more of our predictions.

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