In early 2025, many private companies began space missions. Some were successful. For example, Firefly Aerospace landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon. It was the first time a private company landed on the Moon.
However, there were also big failures. Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets exploded many times in January and March this year.
International laws about space were made a long time ago, around 50 years ago. These laws were created when only countries explored space, not private companies.
Now, private companies play a big role in space. NASA and the European Space Agency work with these companies to save money and share knowledge.
For example, the Blue Ghost carried NASA’s tools to the Moon. But another company’s spacecraft, Intuitive Machines, had problems and fell over soon after landing.
As more companies join space missions, we need new rules. This is important to keep space safe and fair for everyone.
We must talk about how to fix damage and share space resources between countries. It is crucial to find solutions for the future of space travel.
Vocabulary List:
- Exploration /ɪkˌsplɔːrˈeɪʃən/ (noun): The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.
- Mission /ˈmɪʃən/ (noun): An important assignment or task with a specific purpose.
- Resource /ˈriːsɔːrs/ (noun): A supply of something that can be used when needed.
- Government /ˈɡʌv.ərn.mənt/ (noun): The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state.
- Regulation /ˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
- Collaboration /kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of working with someone to produce or create something.
