In a span of less than two weeks, Presidio Global client Space Explorations Technology (SpaceX) successfully launched the Falcon 9 and a Dragon qualification unit into earth orbit (on the vehicle’s maiden launch no less), finalized a deal with yet another international customer – Taiwan’s National Space Organization, and then proceeded to sign the largest commercial launch contract ever with Iridium for US $492MM.

It goes without saying that these commercial and technical successes bode well for SpaceX and the future of the Falcon line of launch vehicles, especially the previously untested Falcon 9, which is hoped to eventually assume responsibility for ISS resupply missions under NASA’s COTS program. But I think there is a larger story here. SpaceX’s successes are an initial validation of the commercial space exploration paradigm and another step towards broadening access to space. Yes, commercial players have been participating in the space industry since its inception. But SpaceX is a different kind of player following a different model than the large government-oriented defense contractors that have traditionally dominated the space arena. SpaceX is a relatively small company, built from the ground up, with a diverse launch manifest that consists of commercial and international clients. In fact, more than half of the currently manifested launches are for purely commercial customers. As the manifest grows, SpaceX will be able to drive down costs even further. Ultimately, SpaceX’s ability to demonstrate full reusability of the launch vehicle will determine just how cheaply they can provide launch services. And it is these low costs that could really lead, in Elon Musk’s words, to the democratization of space.

Despite the recent wrangling over NASA’s budget and direction, these are exciting times for those of us that are passionate about space. To read more about SpaceX’s recent successes, check out the following links:

SpaceX Achieves Orbital Bullseye
SpaceX Signs US $492MM contract with Iridium