SpaceX’s First Private Charter Flight in Florida’s Space Coast
Melbourne, Fla.—3 visitors were sent to space station Axiom Space of Houston acted as the tour operator, selling seats for the 10-day trip, including eight days aboard the station, for $55 million each marking Space X’s first private charter flight to the orbiting lab. This mission is in line with the US government's and the private sector's goal to boost commercial activity on the ISS and beyond.
Although Axiom Space is based in Houston, Texas, this mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2022. The spacecraft, which separated from the rocket after reaching orbit, spent about 20 hours free flying through orbit as it maneuvered closer to the ISS. Their mission, called Ax-1, is the first in a series of four missions that Axiom plans to conduct in partnership with SpaceX.
According to the New York times, the mission is the first to go to the space station on which all of the passengers are private citizens, and it is the first time that NASA has collaborated in arranging a space tourism visit. The flight marked a pivotal moment in efforts to spur space travel by commercial enterprises, NASA officials said.
The report from the NY Times describes the International Space Station as a technological marvel, about as long as a football field, but one that costs NASA about $1.3 billion a year to operate. Although NASA wants to extend the lifetime of the current station to 2030, it hopes that much less expensive commercial space stations are in orbit by then.
Do you do business with Space contractors or government agencies? Whether you need to make a change in your current coverage, have a question about billing or need to report a claim— our customer service representatives are the best in the business and will expedite your request professionally. We insure most types of small businesses, and we help them succeed despite the occurrence of misfortunate events that could very well put them out of business.
Our beloved Florida Space Coast is gaining importance in the Space Travel Industry, and now with the prospect of commercial flight/missions related to space tourism, local businesses must get prepared for a revamped economy and ready to tender a much broader demographic group than originally intended.
No matter what kind of business you own in the Florida Space Coast area, whether a regular business, or one that is related to transportation, Melbourne Truck Insurance has the insurance products, and partner companies to provide your business the full coverage it needs. From protecting property and general liability, to workers compensation, and of course commercial vehicles and trucks.
Contact one of our local commercial/truck insurance agents from Melbourne Truck Insurance to find out what options are available for your trucking and transportation business in the Palm Bay area, and help you start saving on the protections needed. We have the products and underwriting experience that meet the insurance needs of your business. Call us at (321) 329-5556.
HECTOR PEREZ
PRODUCER
Hector is a licensed insurance agent with vast experience as a Transportation Specialist.