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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, California: SpaceX launched its 32nd rocket this week, breaking its previous one year record of 31 launches.

The large number of launches in 2022 is attributed to putting in place its own orbiting internet network of satellites, called Starlink.

SpaceX primarily used its reusable Falcon 9 rocket for the majority of launches, said company officials.

In seeking to complete its Starlink broadband satellite system, the company is offering a novel internet service available worldwide.

“Congrats to SpaceX team on record number of launches!” tweeted Elon Musk, SpaceX chief executive, after the launch, which carried into space 46 Starlink satellites.

The rocket was launched from SpaceX’s California launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.

To date, SpaceX has launched some 3,000 Starlink satellites into space.

SpaceX has set a goal of launching 52 orbital missions in 2022, nearly doubling its annual rate of rocket launches.

SpaceX officials say the Falcon 9 rocket is able to be reused 15 times after returning to Earth.

SpaceX was founded by Musk in 2002.

A major focus of the company today is quickly refurbishing previously flown Falcon 9 rockets for speedy turnaround launches to space.

SpaceX is also working to develop a similar fast turnaround of its reusable Crew Dragon manned spacecraft that launches atop the Falcon 9.

SpaceX has positioned itself to complete its network of satellites for Starlink before its numerous rivals.