Privately Owned Space Companies
Like publically traded space companies, the number of privately owned space companies continues to grow. It is not possible to invest in privately held companies by purchasing stock, so to contribute to their success it might be worth considering directly patronizing their services, making a donation (though usually not tax-deductible), or volunteering your time or abilities.
Of course, many private space companies are actively hiring and have job openings, so consider applying if you have the qualifications.
- Bigelow Aerospace, Inc. - Creating a new paradigm for space station construction. Long-range goal is to bring human space flight into the arena of commercial business. Objectives include providing a low-cost, low earth orbit (LEO) human-rated space station that is accessible to the commercial sector. Company is also sponsor of the $50 million America's Space Prize.
- ISECCo - International Space Exploration & Colonization Company. A non-profit research organization located in Fairbanks, Alaska, dedicated to research and development of space oriented technology. Accepts donations through a PayPal link at the bottom of their Sponsors page.
- Rocketplane, Ltd. - Creator of the Rocketplane XP, a suborbital spacecraft that will launch civilian astronauts more than 330,000 feet above Earth's atmosphere to experience the sensation of weightlessness and an extraordinary view of planet Earth from space. Rocketplane is taking reservations for suborbital flights scheduled to begin service in early 2007.
- Scaled Composites, LLC - An aerospace and specialty composites development company located in Mojave, California (about 80 miles north of Los Angeles). Founded in 1982 by Burt Rutan, Scaled has broad experience in air vehicle design, tooling, manufacturing, specialty composite structure design, analysis, fabrication and developmental flight test. In 2004, the Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne was the first private craft ever to leave the Earth's atmosphere, making the company the winner of the Ansari X Prize.
- Space Shot, Inc. - A Texas corporation bringing the hope of space travel to people of all means. Beginning Fall 2005, SpaceShot will produce and host skill game tournaments with space travel prizes. Space Shot, Inc. has officially partnered with Rocketplane, Ltd., provider of suborbital flights.
Note - To make sure the tax consequences are clear, always consult with your tax advisor before making donations. Be sure to thoroughly research any company before donating.