Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/83317
GAME SpaceX L aunching a special mission to connect with the International Space Station (ISS) used to be a monumental feat that took the resources of entire countries (like the United States, Russia and Japan) and in the case of the European Space Agency, an entire continent. But with the backing of serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) defied the odds with the first-ever commercial mission to the International Space Station. On May 22, 2012, SpaceX's Dragon capsule successfully launched from Cape Canaveral to deliver supplies to astronauts on board the ISS, marking a new era for the aerospace industry and the return of American prominence in space. C H A N G E R private companies working to claim Florida's spot in the modern space race. Rocket Crafters Inc., a developer of innovative rocket propulsion systems, recently announced the relocation of its operations to Titusville, Florida. The company plans to manufacture suborbital jets that will rapidly traverse thousands of miles and land back on earth in one-sixth the time of traditional airliners. Previously based in Utah, Rocket Crafters said it chose Florida as its new home because of the area's space industry resources, including its highly skilled aerospace workforce. With companies like SpaceX and Rocket Crafters leading the way in commercial spaceflight, there is a bright future for the nation's aerospace industry— beginning in Florida's High Tech Corridor. The retirement of the U.S. space shuttle program did not mark the end of Florida's reign as an aerospace leader, but rather paved the way for a new wave of commercial space ventures, which are yet again putting the Corridor at the forefront of man's ambition to explore the last frontier. Following its successful cargo delivery, SpaceX was awarded an additional $440 million NASA contract to transport American astronauts to the ISS. Its first manned flight is expected to take place in 2015 after modifications to the Dragon, allowing astronauts' safe passage into space. SpaceX continues to invest in its operations in Florida's High Tech Corridor and plans additional hiring as it prepares for an increasingly frequent launch schedule and human space flight. "Florida is critical to SpaceX's operation," said Kirstin Grantham, director of communications for SpaceX. "We have been steadily expanding and will continue to expand our presence in Florida. SpaceX has benefitted from all that the region has to offer." SpaceX's achievements and Florida's standing as the gateway to space have opened the door for other 44 florida.HIGH.TECH 2012 NASA NASA NEW