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Founding of SpaceX
SpaceX, also known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is founded by Elon Musk. The company's goal is to reduce the cost of space travel and ultimately enable the colonization of Mars. -
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Falcon 1's maiden flight
SpaceX's first launch vehicle, the Falcon 1, has its maiden flight. However, the mission is not successful and the rocket fails to reach orbit. -
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First successful Falcon 1 launch
After three previous failed attempts, SpaceX successfully launches the fourth Falcon 1 rocket, making it the first privately-developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit. This establishes SpaceX as a significant player in the space industry. -
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Dragon spacecraft's first successful orbit
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft becomes the first privately-funded spacecraft to enter orbit and successfully return to Earth. This marks a major milestone in the company's efforts to develop a fully reusable spacecraft. -
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Dragon's first mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully docks with the International Space Station, becoming the first privately-developed vehicle to do so. This achievement demonstrates SpaceX's capability to resupply the ISS. -
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SpaceX's first commercial satellite launch
SpaceX successfully launches the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SES-8 communication satellite, marking the company's entry into the commercial satellite launch market. This opens up new revenue streams for SpaceX. -
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First successful landing of a Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX achieves a major breakthrough by successfully landing a Falcon 9 rocket vertically after launching it into space. This is the first time in history that a rocket of this size and power has been able to land intact. -
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Falcon Heavy's inaugural launch
SpaceX conducted Falcon Heavy's maiden launch on 6 February 2018, at 20:45 UTC. As a dummy payload, the rocket carried a Tesla Roadster belonging to SpaceX founder Elon Musk, with a mannequin dubbed "Starman" in the driver's seat. -
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Crew Dragon's first successful test flight
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully completes its first uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station, demonstrating its capability to transport astronauts. This paves the way for human spaceflight missions from US soil. -
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Crew Dragon's first crewed flight
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, successfully launched NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station. This marks the first crewed launch from US soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011. -
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Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight
Space tourism takes a giant leap in September 2021 when SpaceX launches the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian orbital mission. Billionaire Jared Isaacman and three other civilians spend several days orbiting Earth. -
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Starship unveiling
In 2022, SpaceX unveiled the Starship spacecraft, designed to carry crew and cargo to destinations like the moon and Mars. The Starship is part of Musk’s grand vision for interplanetary exploration, with NASA ordering two Starships for future lunar landings. -
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Starship’s first orbital flight attempt
In April 2023, SpaceX conducts its first orbital flight test of Starship, though the mission ends with a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" as the spacecraft fails to separate from its booster. -
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Starship’s third test flight
The third Starship test flight in March sets new records, with the spacecraft reaching orbital velocity for the first time. However, the mission ends with the spacecraft breaking apart during re-entry. -
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SpaceX Starlink 226 launch
The 21 satellites, including 13 that have direct-to-cell service, are from the Starlink company. They will be going to low-Earth orbit. SpaceX owns the Starlink company. Once positioned and in orbit, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.