SpaceX

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, commonly referred to as SpaceX, is an American spacecraft manufacturer, launch service provider and satellite communications company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and ultimately developing a sustainable colony on Mars. The company currently produces and operates the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets along with the Dragon, and Starship as a hybrid between a rocket and a spacecraft.
spacex

Some of the key events about SpaceX

  • 2002
    Founded as a private space exploration company with the goal of reducing space transportation costs
  • 2006
    Secured a contract with NASA for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program
  • 2008
    Successfully launched the first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit, Falcon 1
  • 2010
    Became the first private company to successfully launch, orbit, and recover a spacecraft
  • 2012
    Achieved the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to and from the International Space Station
  • 2015
    Successfully landed an orbital class rocket stage on land for the first time
  • 2015
    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploded during launch, destroying cargo bound for the International Space Station
  • 2016
    Landed a rocket on a drone ship at sea for the first time
  • 2016
    A Falcon 9 rocket exploded on the launch pad during a static fire test, destroying a $200 million satellite
  • 2017
    Achieved the first reflight of an orbital class rocket
  • 2018
    Successfully launched Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful operational rocket
  • 2018
    SpaceX faced criticism for launching a Tesla Roadster into space, viewed by some as a wasteful publicity stunt
  • 2019
    The company laid off 10% of its workforce, citing the need to become a leaner company
  • 2019
    SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation raised concerns among astronomers about light pollution and interference with observations
  • 2020
    Became the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station
  • 2020
    The company faced backlash for launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially putting employees at risk
  • 2021
    Multiple Starship prototypes exploded during testing, raising concerns about the project's viability
  • 2021
    SpaceX faced criticism for potential environmental impacts of its Boca Chica, Texas launch site on local wildlife
  • 2022
    Reports emerged of sexual harassment allegations within the company, prompting internal investigations
  • 2022
    Starlink terminals in Ukraine were turned off near the Crimean front, raising questions about the company's role in geopolitical conflicts

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

SpaceX Latest news

Starlink Satellites Threaten Radio Astronomy, New Study Reveals

Starlink Satellites Threaten Radio Astronomy, New Study Reveals

SpaceX's Starlink satellites emit strong radio waves, potentially disrupting crucial astronomical research. Experts call for mitigation as satellite numbers continue to grow rapidly.

Business, Science •   •  100 views
Labour's NHS Rescue Plan: Public Health Measures and Financial Challenges

Labour's NHS Rescue Plan: Public Health Measures and Financial Challenges

Labour Party considers extensive public health interventions to address NHS crisis. UK faces financial hurdles due to aging population and rising debt, as OBR warns of unsustainable path.

Society, Economics, Politics • September 12 2024, 04:42 PM  •  93 views
SpaceX Achieves Milestone: First Private Spacewalk in Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX Achieves Milestone: First Private Spacewalk in Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission marks a historic achievement with the first-ever private spacewalk. Commercial astronauts exit a commercial spacecraft at 700 km altitude, testing new oxygen suits in a groundbreaking 12-minute EVA.

Business, Science • September 12 2024, 12:31 PM  •  211 views
Princess of Wales Completes Cancer Treatment, Focuses on Recovery

Princess of Wales Completes Cancer Treatment, Focuses on Recovery

The Princess of Wales announces end of chemotherapy, shifting focus to staying cancer-free. Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of Ukraine podcast, passes away at 32.

Society, Business, Politics • September 9 2024, 04:58 PM  •  306 views
Elon Musk: On Track to Become World's First Trillionaire by 2027

Elon Musk: On Track to Become World's First Trillionaire by 2027

Elon Musk's wealth is projected to quadruple in three years, potentially making him the world's first trillionaire. The entrepreneur's net worth of $251 billion is growing at 110% annually.

Business, Politics, Science • September 9 2024, 12:19 PM  •  539 views
Boeing Starliner Returns Empty, Leaving Astronauts Stranded on ISS

Boeing Starliner Returns Empty, Leaving Astronauts Stranded on ISS

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft landed without crew due to technical issues, leaving two astronauts on the International Space Station. SpaceX plans to rescue them in February 2025.

Business, Science • September 7 2024, 12:09 PM  •  270 views
Trump Proposes Musk-Led Government Efficiency Commission in Election Bid

Trump Proposes Musk-Led Government Efficiency Commission in Election Bid

Former President Trump announces plan for a government efficiency commission, potentially led by Elon Musk, if elected in November. The proposal aims to audit federal spending and recommend reforms.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 5 2024, 06:49 PM  •  307 views
SpaceX Warns Staff Against Brazil Travel Amid X Ban Controversy

SpaceX Warns Staff Against Brazil Travel Amid X Ban Controversy

SpaceX advises employees to avoid Brazil as tensions escalate between Elon Musk and Brazilian officials over X platform ban. Conflict centers on alleged far-Right content and free speech concerns.

Business, Politics • September 5 2024, 08:55 AM  •  534 views
SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounding Jeopardizes ISS Astronaut Return Mission

SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounding Jeopardizes ISS Astronaut Return Mission

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets grounded after booster crash, potentially delaying rescue of stranded ISS astronauts. FAA investigation underway, impacting upcoming missions and complicating NASA's plans.

Business, Science • August 29 2024, 04:09 PM  •  256 views
Gary Lineker Criticizes Twitter's Evolution Under Musk's Ownership

Gary Lineker Criticizes Twitter's Evolution Under Musk's Ownership

Former footballer Gary Lineker expresses dissatisfaction with Twitter's changes since Elon Musk's takeover, citing an unpleasant atmosphere and reduced engagement on the platform, now known as X.

Society, Sports • August 28 2024, 10:31 AM  •  17 views
NASA Taps SpaceX to Rescue Stranded ISS Astronauts After Boeing Setback

NASA Taps SpaceX to Rescue Stranded ISS Astronauts After Boeing Setback

Two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station due to Boeing Starliner issues will return on a SpaceX vehicle in early 2025. NASA's decision highlights ongoing challenges for Boeing's space program.

Business, Science • August 24 2024, 06:14 PM  •  29 views
Musk's Twitter Deal: Wall Street's Worst Buyout Since 2008 Crisis

Musk's Twitter Deal: Wall Street's Worst Buyout Since 2008 Crisis

Elon Musk's $44bn Twitter acquisition, now X, labeled Wall Street's worst buyout since 2008. Banks struggle with $13bn in unsold debt, while X's value plummets to $19bn amid advertising woes.

Business, Economics • August 21 2024, 01:26 PM  •  0 views