Private spaceflight refers to spaceflight activities undertaken by non-governmental entities, such as corporations, individuals, or non-profit organizations. This contrasts with public spaceflight, which is traditionally conducted by government agencies like NASA, ESA, or JAXA.
A juxtaposition of private (left) and public (right) spaceflight. From Kennedy Space Center LC-39, taken on April 6, 2022. Left: SpaceX, with Falcon 9 for Axiom Mission 1 Right: NASA, with Space Launch System for Artemis 1
Launch of a Proton rocket
First launch of the Pegasus rocket, from a NASA-owned B-52
The SpaceX Dragon berthing with the ISS during its final demonstration mission, on 25 May 2012
Spaceflight is an application of astronautics to fly objects, usually spacecraft, into or through outer space, either with or without humans on board. Most spaceflight is uncrewed and conducted mainly with spacecraft such as satellites in orbit around Earth, but also includes space probes for flights beyond Earth orbit. Such spaceflight operate either by telerobotic or autonomous control. The more complex human spaceflight has been pursued soon after the first orbital satellites and has reached the Moon and permanent human presence in space around Earth, particularly with the use of space stations. Human spaceflight programs include the Soyuz, Shenzhou, the past Apollo Moon landing and the Space Shuttle programs. Other current spaceflight are conducted to the International Space Station and to China's Tiangong Space Station.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule approaching the International Space Station in Earth orbit
Launched in 1959, Luna 1 was the first known artificial object to achieve escape velocity from the Earth (replica pictured).
Ionized gas trail from Shuttle reentry
Recovery of Discoverer 14 return capsule by a C-119 airplane