Launching Into Commercial Space chronicles the dawn of a fast-moving commercial space age in which initiative from the private sector is launching innovation into tomorrow. With the door closed on the Space Shuttle-era, the revolutionary commercial “Space Billionaires” of the 21st century are opening a new door. This is the story of the pioneers and private companies around the globe currently developing new spacecraft, planning futuristic spaceports, and seeking to offer a range of “space travel” services for all.Features the history, accomplishments, and future endeavors of:Paul Allen, Stratolaunch SystemsJeff Bezos, Blue OriginRobert Bigelow, Bigelow AerospaceSir Richard Branson, Virgin GalacticJohn Carmack, Armadillo AerospaceElon Musk, Space XFocuses on the companies expanding their commercial space activities, including:BoeingLockheed MartinNorthrop GrummanOrbital Science ATKSierra Nevada CorporationSpace XStratolauncherVirgin Galactic