Trends in Early 21st Century Spaceflight
Briefly

Spaceflight has dramatically evolved over the past 25 years, transitioning from a government-controlled domain to a vibrant commercial industry. Technological advancements and a surge in private investment have made space travel more frequent and affordable. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin lead in large-scale spaceflight, while numerous startups focus on small satellite launches. The rise of reusable rockets, pioneered by SpaceX, has significantly reduced costs. Next-generation technologies, including methane-fueled rockets, promise cleaner propulsion methods, further pushing the boundaries of space exploration and commercial activities beyond Earth.
The early 21st century has seen a surge in spaceflight activity driven by technological advances, falling costs and growing commercial investment.
Modern reusable rocket technology has revolutionized spaceflight by drastically reducing launch costs and increasing mission frequency.
Methane-fueled rockets represent the next step in cleaner, more efficient propulsion, with the potential to transform space travel.
This multimedia essay explores some of the trends shaping the contemporary aerospace industry at the dawn of a new era in human spaceflight.
Read at State of the Planet
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