posted 04-19-2005 12:55 AM               

For decades, the development of technology for use in space has been the domain of large governments: however, recent advancements in materials, data processing and regulatory changes have made private space venturing possible. SpaceShipOne, designed by Burt Rutan and financed by Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen, made history last year as the first manned, private spaceship. Now SpaceX, funded by PayPal Co-Founder Elon Musk, is launching the first fully private rocket carrying commercial payloads into orbit. Soon Virgin Galactic will offer tourist flights into suborbit, and Bigelow Aerospace will send its inflatable hotel up in 2006.

With the leaders of the technology industry turning their attentions, imaginations and dollars towards the heavens, what's next? Come to Caltech and meet the premier space venturers who represent the vanguard of the emerging businesses of space transport, research and commercialization.