On Saturday, Space Exploration Technologies, also known as SpaceX successfully launched a manned-rocket into space in collaboration with NASA.
It's the first Space launch from the U.S. soil in about nine years and could be a pivotal landmark in commercial space exploration.
The successful launch comes after years of testing and retesting which began in 2015. The company established by Elon Musk in 2002, has undergone series of safety protocols, successfully launching an un-manned rocket some years back. And it is the first private company in history to launch astronauts into space. This is something that was thought to be impossible and can have huge economic implications.
SpaceX’s Successful Launch Follows Years of Setbacks
Strapped into a reusable, gumdrop-shaped capsule called Crew Dragon, veteran astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley embarked on a scheduled 19-hour voyage to the international space station circling the globe 250 miles up, with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence observing the fiery scene in person. The Space Exploration and Technologies Corp. Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 3:22 p.m. local time, successfully reaching initial orbit 12 minutes later.
SpaceX also successfully landed the booster of the rocket which usually crashes into the ocean. This can now be reused in future liftoffs significantly cutting down cost.
Some of the economic implications of space exploitation includes;
Employment opportunities: space exploration by private companies would open lots of employment opportunities directly and indirectly, by employing more people and increasing demand for machine parts.
Space tourism: Just as people take vacations in relics and islands, commercial space travel would make it possible for one to pay for a tour in space. It would be more expensive than a trip to an island but more affordable than boarding a public rocket and would open new revenue means
Technological advancement: more private companies launching to space would lead to more satellites being set in orbit, this would have lots of impact on the way data and information are shared and how it can be utilized.
Beyond space: this successful launch could also lead to further advancements being made and we could venture beyond space, establishing livable habitats on planets like Mars.
This however is still a futuristic agenda.
What impacts do you predict this would have and should Bitcoin go to the moon, would you be boarding a rocket to space?