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SpaceX Launches Next-Generation Private Falcon 9 Rocket on Big Test Flight

SpaceX's first next-generation Falcon 9 rocket launches on its debut test flight from Space Launch Complex 4 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sept. 29, 2013.

September 29th, 2013

The private spaceflight company SpaceX launched the first of its next-generation Falcon 9 rockets Sunday (Sept. 29) in a major test flight full of space firsts. The launch also carried Canada's CASSIOPE space weather satellite into orbit.

Private Astronaut Taxi Development Entering Final Phase

An artistic rendition of the Dream Chaser vehicle launching into space.

July 25th, 2013

NASA on July 19 released a draft solicitation for the fourth and final development phase of its Commercial Crew Program, which is still expected to result in a crewed space launch to the International Space Station from U.S. soil, by late 2017, according

Virgin Galactic's Private Spaceship Offers Enticing Science Opportunities

Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo Blasts Into the Upper Atmosphere

July 19th, 2013

With all the attention being given to Virgin Galactic's impressive list of future celebritynauts (Ashton! Branson! Beiber!), its spaceship's impressive capabilities for microgravity research have been largely overlooked.

Private Cygnus Spacecraft Makes Historic 1st Rendezvous with Space Station

The first commercial Cygnus spacecraft is moved into docking position by the International Space Station's robotic arm on Sept. 29, 2013 after arriving at the orbiting lab during a major test flight by spacecraft builder Orbital Sciences Corp.

September 29th, 2013

An unmanned Cygnus cargo spacecraft built by Orbital Sciences arrived at the International Space Station early Sunday (Sept. 29), capping a major test flight for the new private spacecraft. This is the first-ever station visit for the Cygnus spacecraft.

Commercial Spaceflight Conference Launches in California Thursday

Deep Space Industries Wheel Habitat

July 24th, 2013

Legions of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs are gathering in Silicon Valley this week to discuss the rise and impact of the commercial spaceflight industry. The annual NewSpace conference runs from Thursday through Saturday in San Jose, Calif.

Will SpaceX Rockets Launch from a Texas Spaceport?

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch to ISS

July 19th, 2013

The private company SpaceX has been narrowing its search for a new location in which to build a commercial launch facility for industrial customers. The firm has recently focused on Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and particularly Texas.

Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin Turns Down Free Space Trip

Aldrin Apollo 11

June 28th, 2013

'I've been there before,' Aldrin said.

SpaceX Launching Next-Generation Private Rocket Test Flight Today: Watch Live

SpaceX's new upgraded Falcon 9 rocket undergoes an static fire engine test on Sept. 19, 2013 ahead of a Sept. 29 launch testfrom Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

September 29th, 2013

The private spaceflight company SpaceX will launch a new Falcon 9 rocket from California today (Sept. 29) and you can watch the liftoff live online. Liftoff is targeted for 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT/9 a.m. PDT). Here's how to watch.

Private Space Cargo Tug Arrives at Virginia Launch Site

Second Pressurized Cargo Module Arrives at Wallops

July 23rd, 2013

Thales Alenia Space of Italy has delivered the second of nine pressurized cargo-supply modules for the international space station to Orbital Sciences Corp.’s Wallops Island, VA, facility.

SpaceX's 'Grasshopper' Reusable Rocket Prototype Makes Highest Flight Yet

SpaceX's Grasshopper Rocket Makes Test Flight in June 2013

A private company's prototype reusable rocket made its highest leap to date last month, soaring 100 stories into the air before landing softly back at its launch pad as planned. SpaceX's Grasshopper vehicle reached a maximum altitude of 1,066 feet on June