A new space race

Synopsis

The U.S. has not sent a good astronaut into space on its own rockets since the last space shuttle mission in 2011. A new commercial space race is emerging, led by tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, aiming to disrupt the traditional space industry. This competition is highlighted at the annual space symposium in Colorado, where Jeff Bezos showcases his first craft for space tourists. Former astronaut Magnus emphasizes the need for a return to manned flight from the U.S. The current reliance on Russia for astronaut transport, costing around 70-80 million dollars per seat, underscores the urgency for new competition. NASA's Commercial Crew program, featuring Boeing's Starliner, is set to provide affordable access to the International Space Station and includes opportunities for space tourism. The race to the moon and beyond is not just about reaching orbit but also about making space a new commercial frontier.