Private spaceflight

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Private spaceflight refers to spaceflight activities undertaken by non-governmental entities, such as corporations, individuals, or non-profit organizations. This contrasts with public spaceflight, which is traditionally conducted by government agencies like NASA, ESA, or JAXA.

The emergence of private spaceflight companies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries significantly impacted space exploration and commercialized various aspects of the space industry. These companies are involved in:

• Developing and operating launch vehicles and spacecraft for both robotic and human spaceflight.^[1]
• Providing services such as satellite launches, astronaut transportation, and space tourism.
• Engaging in research and development of new technologies related to space travel and exploration.

The rise of private spaceflight has:

• Increased competition in the space industry, leading to advancements in launch vehicle technology and reduced costs.
• Expanded access to space for scientific research, commercial ventures, and even individuals willing to pay the high price tag.
• Sparked debate on issues such as space debris, resource utilization, and the ethics of space exploration.

Several prominent companies are currently leading the charge in private spaceflight, including:

• SpaceX
• Blue Origin
• Rocket Lab
• Virgin Galactic
• Axiom Space
• Sierra Space

These companies are actively developing and launching rockets and spacecraft, conducting orbital and suborbital space tourism missions, and contributing to the ongoing exploration of space.