Space exploration is back and in full swing. NASA and SpaceX have released information and announcements about the upcoming missions to the moon and further exploration of space travel. SpaceX announced that they will be launching a lunar lander called the “Falcon 9”. The company launched a cargo ship loaded with supplies and research materials to the international space station. NASA and SpaceX, along with other companies, are exploring the idea of private space exploration, meaning that companies would sell tickets to civilians in order for them to board a large spaceship with amenities and activities to entertain the passengers while in route to explore the stars. NASA also announced that they are starting up on a new set of missions called Orion.  The point of these missions is to explore the moon and carry out experiments. Both companies also announced that they will both be going towards the same goal of exploring Mars as well as more lunar missions in the coming years. SpaceX and NASA both plan on making space exploration as well as space travel by making it become a more regular form of transportation such as flying and cruise ships. SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk told reporters that the company is building a starship that is fully reusable. It is also designed to be a fully functional expedition cargo ship as well as a passenger holder spaceship. SpaceX states “The starship is the fully reusable second stage and has an integrated payload section. Starship serves as a large, long-duration spacecraft capable of carrying passengers or cargo to Earth orbit, planetary destinations, and between destinations on Earth” (Space-X).

By having companies move towards a more privatized approach it will allow for more people and more companies to operate and explore without the restrictions of the rules and regulations in place now that the government has in NASA. With the roaring twenties around the corner hopefully the space program can go back to soaring high and anyone can visit the moon and adventure mars.

“Falcon heavy awaits its launch day surrounded by the jaw dropping cosmos in Cameron County, Texas; the ship will be carrying cargo and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for the recent launch of 3 astronauts to go up to the ISS to carry out repairs and research,” says Mark Smith.