Space exploration is now a global effort
Once a rivalry between two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, space development has expanded into an international stage involving Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, and many other nations, each pursuing its own missions and pushing the frontier of space exploration.
Public agencies vs. private space companies
National space agencies are public institutions run on government budgets, while private space companies are for-profit businesses โ and the two increasingly work together on joint projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are government space agencies different from private space companies?
Government space agencies are public institutions funded by national budgets, while private space companies are profit-driven businesses โ and collaboration between the two has become increasingly common in recent years.