How Space Travel Has Changed Since 1999

Space has evolved tremendously over the past 25 years, evolving from government-driven exploration missions to a dynamic, more commercially driven field.

In 1999, there were 79 launch attempts into Earth orbit, including intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM) tests. Many of the missions were carried out by the venerable spaceshipDelta and Soyuz rockets, with the US and Russia leading the way. The International Space Station (ISS) was still in the early stages of construction, with NASA leading several countries in building the largest international cooperative project ever.

The scene has changed dramatically. Technological advances, transformative and autonomous software, and emerging blocs ...