The Future of Space Travel:

Private Funding

Marianne MaczkoDan 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