The American company of Elon Musk launched on Saturday two NASA astronauts into space thanks to the SpaceX rocket. If it is a first for a private company, it is especially a historic step for the United States and for the opening of the doors of space, explained Saturday on Europe 1, Alain Cirou, scientific consultant.
"Regaining access to space with an American rocket and American astronauts was the challenge of this mission but it is even more a new era which opens", specifies Alain Cirou. The success of this launch offers indeed many other perspectives.
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"This is for the first time, a cooperation between the public and the private," notes Alain Cirou, who indicates that "NASA was the only one before to organize space flights together".
Towards space tourism
According to the consultant, also editorial director of the French magazine Ciel et Espace , SpaceX could pave the way for a new form of tourism. "Presumably, in the coming months, wealthy travelers will pay to access the station with this private capsule," he said. "It is a turning point in the history of space", he continues because SpaceX announces "the opening to private activities of space flight which was until now reserved for States".
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On Saturday, Donald Trump made the trip to Florida for takeoff. The SpaceX crew is currently heading to the International Space Station, with an arrival scheduled at 4.30 p.m. (French time).