When the Heavens Went on Sale

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With the launch of the Falcon 1 rocket in 2008, SpaceX became the first private company to create a low-cost rocket capable of reaching orbit, marking a pivotal moment in the new Space Age. This shift positioned Silicon Valley, rather than NASA, as the hub of aerospace innovation, prompting start-ups and wealthy investors to explore the unregulated universe as a business frontier. The narrative unfolds around four pioneering companies—Astra, Firefly, Planet Labs, and Rocket Lab—as they strive to develop new space systems and launch rockets into orbit. While public attention focused on space tourism led by figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, these companies aimed to make rocket and satellite launches affordable and efficient, opening Earth's lower orbit for commercial endeavors. The author provides an immersive account of this extraordinary period, visiting private company headquarters, labs, and launch sites worldwide, including locations in California, Texas, and New Zealand. The story captures the vibrant chaos of the new space business, featuring private jets, unconventional lifestyles, and the challenges faced by ambitious entrepreneurs. This compelling narrative highlights the pressing technological developments and the high stakes involved as Silicon Valley's visionaries set their sights on the cosmos.