Access to space is no longer limited to a handful of national governments.
Over the past few years, private companies have turned spaceflight into a regular commercial service.
They now carry paying customers as well as professional private astronauts into orbit.
Several private missions have successfully visited the International Space Station and returned safely.
In a major milestone, the first fully commercial spacewalk was recently completed.
The firms involved intend to increase the number of flights they operate every year.
Ambitious plans even include privately owned space stations to replace ageing ones.
Step by step, space is opening up well beyond traditional government agencies.