The Future of Space Travel: Private Funding Marianne Maczko Dan Zaslavsky

Orbital Sciences Corporation American company specializing in satellite launches and manufacturing Founded in 1982 by David Thompson, Bruce Ferguson and Scott Webster Has built 569 launch vehicles with 82 more to be made by 2015 In 2006 it conducted its 500th mission since the company’s founding The company is expanding into the medium size launch vehicles and satellites with the development of the Taurus II (supporting human spaceflight

Virgin Galactic Private space travel corporation Subsidiary of Virgin Corporation, CEO Richard Bronson Partnered with Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund, Aabar Investments Operate and own the VSS Enterprise- achieved manned fight at 45,000 feet in 2010 Aiming towards launching commercial customers from the desert of New Mexico

SpaceX Corporation American Space Transport Company Founded by PayPal Co-Founder Elon Musk with $100 Million Investment in 2002 Has doubled in size almost every year since founding year Developed Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 Rockets- reusable launch vehicles Pursuing the production of the Dragon Spacecraft- may carry up to 7 astronauts The Dragon uses liquid-oxygen and rocket grade kerosene and is meant to be reusable

Pros v. Cons Cons: –Fear of lost jobs –Space travel is a dangerous enterprise not be left in the hands of private companies Pros: –Will force the aerospace world to become competitive again, perhaps sparking interest in younger generations to pursue science –The Federal Aviation Administration would regulate private space safety and other issues