SpaceX is a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. The company has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, both designed to be reusable. SpaceX also manufactures the Dragon spacecraft, which is flown into orbit by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle to supply the International Space Station (ISS) with cargo and bring back cargo to Earth.
Here are 7 interesting facts about SpaceX you may not have known:
Despite its many accomplishments and world-renowned reputation, there is one surprising fact about the company that most people are not aware of: its full name. Contrary to what many people believe, SpaceX is actually an acronym; it stands for Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. So while many may assume that “SpaceX” is simply Elon Musk’s quirky brand of space travel, it is in fact a fully functioning company with a lengthy and complex history behind it.
Due to the sensitive nature of their work, only US citizens are allowed to work in SpaceX. This is because space-rocket technology falls under the category of defense force technology, and therefore is subject to certain laws and regulations. As a result, SpaceX only hires employees who are US citizens in order to comply with these regulations. While this may limit the pool of potential candidates, it ensures that SpaceX is able to produce the best possible products and services for its customers.
SpaceX is the first private company to successfully launch, orbit, and recover a spacecraft. In 2010, SpaceX made history when it launched the Dragon into orbit and successfully recovered it. This marked the first time a private company had launched and recovered a spacecraft and paved the way for more commercial space exploration.
On September 1, 2016, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was ready to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket was carrying a $200 million Facebook satellite that would provide Internet access to remote parts of the world. But just seconds before liftoff, an anomaly in the launchpad caused the rocket to explode, destroying the satellite and dealing a major setback to Facebook’s plans.
With the launch of its Dragon capsule in 2010, SpaceX made history as the first private entity to send a spacecraft into orbit. Not only did this groundbreaking mission open up new possibilities for interplanetary travel, but it also carried an unexpected payload into orbit: a wheel of Swiss cheese.
When most people think of SpaceX, they probably think of outer space and exotic planets. However, what many people don’t realize is that this innovative company has its sights set on revolutionizing transportation here on earth as well. Their most ambitious project by far is the Hyperloop – a new system for moving passengers around at speeds previously unimaginable. Essentially a super-fast, airless maglev train, the Hyperloop relies on powerful magnetic fields to levitate tiny pods containing up to 28 passengers and whisk them to their destination in less than half an hour.
The Crew Dragon capsule was designed to sit on top of Falcon 9 rockets. It can operate autonomously, meaning it doesn’t need someone to control it. The capsule is equipped with multiple thrusters that will allow it to maneuver in space. It also has advanced guidance, navigation, and a control system that will keep the capsule on track. In addition, the Crew Dragon has a robust communications system that will allow it to stay in contact with ground control. The capsule is also outfitted with an emergency escape system that will allow the crew to safely evacuate in the event of an emergency.
