This differs from the traditional spacecraft of yesteryear, which would either fall away and be scrapped after a flight or simply burn up in the atmosphere on re-entry. But what exactly are reusable spacecraft? And what are the benefits of using reusable spacecraft instead of expendable or one-time-use spacecraft? Let’s begin by defining the term.Ī reusable spacecraft is an umbrella term that includes any sort of outer space vehicle or machine that can be used for multiple launches, orbits, and re-entries. Over the past couple of decades, SpaceX has become a name synonymous with reusable spacecraft. Being the first to successfully reuse an orbital rocket.Manufacturing the first orbital rocket to successfully complete a vertical take-off and vertical propulsive landing.Becoming the first private company to reach the International Space Station.Being the first private company to recover a launched and orbited spacecraft.
Becoming the first privately funded company to create a liquid-propellant rocket capable of orbiting Earth.Since its founding in 2002, SpaceX has seen many other accomplishments include: Once approved by the necessary regulators, Starship will have the largest rocket payload capacity ever. Conceived for both orbital and interplanetary space travel, the Starship launch system is set to be the company’s main orbital vehicle (effectively resulting in the demotion of the Falcon 9 - but more on that later). While defenders of Starlink call the service a global good, detractors worry about the satellites polluting Earth’s orbit.Īdditionally, SpaceX is also working on perfecting a reusable super-heavy launch system called Starship. Presently, Starlink consists of nearly 2,500 satellites - a seriously big number that has been a real cause for concern for both astronomers and those planning the future of space travel. The goal here is to develop and maintain the largest commercial internet service ever made. However, much of what SpaceX has done over the last couple of decades has primarily consisted of manufacturing rockets, launch vehicles, satellites, and other spacecraft.īeyond its accomplishments in manufacturing and its continued work toward the colonization of Mars, SpaceX is also working to establish a network of internet satellites named Starlink. Initially, Musk started the manufacturing company to try and cut down on the massive cost that came with space transportation in an effort to begin colonization of the planet Mars. SpaceX - also known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp. History of SpaceX The Falcon 9 has nine Merlin engines, generating more than 1.7 million pounds of thrust at sea level. The Falcon 9 launch vehicle epitomizes exactly what Elon Musk’s corporation is capable of, complete with its impressive specs and fascinating history. It’s no longer something reserved for institutions like NASA - Space is accessible to the ultra-wealthy, too. From Falcon 1 all the way to Falcon 9 and beyond, SpaceX and Elon Musk have completely changed the way the world sees space travel. Today, NASA has taken somewhat of a backseat to private American companies like Blue Origin, ULA, and - perhaps most prominently - SpaceX.Įlon Musk and his aerospace manufacturing corporation SpaceX have been in existence since 2002, and in that 20-year stretch of time, they’ve managed to make quite the name for themselves.
Sixty years later, things have definitely changed quite significantly. In the early days of space travel, back in the early 1960s, there was one name synonymous with all American voyages into the great beyond.
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