Commercial Spaceflight

Commercial spaceflight refers to the operation of spacecraft by private companies or non-governmental entities for purposes such as transporting passengers, cargo, or conducting scientific research in space. This industry has emerged alongside governmental space agencies, expanding access to space through various services, including satellite launches, space tourism, and resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

Commercial spaceflight typically involves the development and use of launch vehicles and spacecraft designed for cost-effective and reliable operations. Companies in this sector may include startups as well as established aerospace firms. The rise of commercial spaceflight aims to promote innovation, reduce the costs associated with space access, and broaden the opportunities for scientific exploration, technology development, and commercial endeavors beyond Earth.

Key players in the commercial spaceflight industry include companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, which engage in diverse activities ranging from suborbital flights for tourists to orbital missions for deploying satellites. Commercial spaceflight has the potential to change the landscape of space exploration, enabling new applications and access to space for a variety of stakeholders, including researchers, businesses, and the general public.