Timeline

Space achievements by amateurs

Aug 29, 2005

The website Kechuang.org begins running a column dedicated to solid-fuel rockets, enabling space enthusiasts to discuss their interests.

Dec 16, 2007

The first propulsion laboratory is established.

June 28, 2008

A national rocket competition for amateurs is held.

July 10, 2008

Safety rules for amateurs are drafted for rockets.

Feb 1, 2010

The first private scientific research institution in aerospace activity is established.

Feb 15, 2010

A rocket is launched with flight data recorders.

Rocketing to success

Space Exploration Technologies Corp, known informally as SpaceX, does work normally associated with NASA by merging hard engineering with Silicon Valley creativity.

Elon Musk, the man behind SpaceX, is a business magnate who co-founded PayPal and Tesla Motors. However, his vision went beyond the pull of gravity.

The company was founded in 2002 and, looking to slash the cost of space travel, it focused on reusing launch rockets and technology.

It is the first private company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station and claims that it can send a spacecraft into space cheaper than anyone else.

Although in competition with NASA, it also works with it on select projects.

NASA is looking at missions into deeper space, and SpaceX could find a greater role to play in near space.