Exploring the Transition from Government to Commercial Space Exploration

The evolution of space exploration from government-led to commercially-driven can be traced back to the 1910s and 20s when rocket pioneers like Robert Goddard received private funding for their startup projects. Initially fueled by private investments similar to giant telescopes, the onset of World War II and the subsequent Cold War shifted space exploration to a national achievement, leading to the development of expensive and infallible rockets. SpaceX disrupted the traditional space industry by taking risks, reducing costs through modern technology, and introducing a commercial approach. This shift marks a departure from the historical era of government space exploration towards a burgeoning commercial space industry.