SpaceX, Bigelow teaming on private space stations

Associated Press

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (AP) — Southern California rocket developer Space Exploration Technologies and Nevada's Bigelow Aerospace are teaming to offer passenger launches to private space stations.

The companies say in a statement Thursday that their marketing effort will be aimed at international customers.

SpaceX says it will offer rides in its Dragon capsule, using its Falcon rocket. The same system is currently being prepared for a test run to the International Space Station as an unmanned supply mission.

Bigelow is developing modular space habitats after successfully orbiting test versions of its inflatable designs.

The companies say they will begin their marketing effort with meetings in Japan after SpaceX's upcoming launch for NASA.

Hawthorne, Calif.-based SpaceX was founded by PayPal co-founder Elon Musk. Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace was founded by developer Robert T. Bigelow.