SpaceX

SpaceX designs, builds and operates reusable rockets and spacecraft, with the stated aim of lowering the cost of access to space. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, the company works across reusable rocket technology, launch vehicle engineering, spacecraft development, satellite constellation operations and human spaceflight. Its technical work spans guidance and control problems inherent in landing orbital-class boosters, propulsion, and the operation of large distributed satellite systems.

The launch side of the business rests on Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. Falcon 9 is a reusable rocket that can launch, return to Earth and fly again, dramatically lowering launch costs while increasing reliability; Falcon Heavy is a heavy-lift reusable vehicle that helped perfect reusable rocket technology and reduce launch costs. Both support the company's ISS cargo and crew delivery service, which carries cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station.

SpaceX also operates Starlink, a satellite constellation providing space-based connectivity and described as the world's largest satellite constellation. Beyond low Earth orbit, the company's stated long-term objective is to make life multi-planetary, with a self-sustaining city on Mars as the planned target. The engineering culture is mission-driven and oriented towards dramatic cost reduction and innovation over incumbent technology, having moved from disruptive start-up origins to an industry-leading position.