Who Owns Rocket Companies in the Private and Public Sector

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Rocket Companies, the parent company of Rocket Mortgage, is owned by Dan Gilbert, the billionaire founder of Quicken Loans. He founded Rocket Companies in 2015.

Dan Gilbert owns about 96% of Rocket Companies.

Gilbert's ownership stake is due to his majority ownership of Rock Holdings, the parent company of Rocket Companies.

Private Companies

Private companies play a significant role in the rocket industry, with many major players being privately owned.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is one such company that has made significant strides in the industry.

Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, is another notable example of a private company making a mark in space tourism.

Private companies like these are often able to innovate and take risks that government-funded projects cannot, resulting in breakthroughs like reusable rockets.

SpaceX

SpaceX is a leading private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk.

SpaceX has developed several advanced rockets, including the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, which have been used for various satellite launches and space missions.

Credit: youtube.com, How SpaceX Became the World's Most Valuable Private Company

The company's first successful launch was in 2008 with the Falcon 1, a smaller rocket designed for suborbital flights.

SpaceX has also made history with its reusable rockets, successfully landing the first stage of the Falcon 9 after an orbital launch in 2015.

Private companies like SpaceX are driving innovation in the space industry with their cutting-edge technology and cost-effective solutions.

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has been used for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, marking a new era of private spaceflight.

The company's Starship program aims to develop a next-generation spacecraft capable of taking both people and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system.

Blue Origin

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company.

The company's name, Blue Origin, comes from the idea that space is a blue and infinite destination.

Blue Origin's first successful test flight of its New Shepard spacecraft was in 2015.

Woman in a Space Helmet Illuminated in Blue
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The spacecraft reached an altitude of 307,000 feet and landed safely back on Earth.

The company plans to offer suborbital flights to space tourists on New Shepard.

These flights will allow passengers to experience weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is currently in development and is expected to be operational by 2023.

The New Glenn rocket will be capable of carrying humans and cargo to low Earth orbit.

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Government Agencies

Government Agencies play a significant role in the ownership of rocket companies. They often provide funding and resources to support the development of new technologies.

NASA has invested in companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, with the goal of advancing space exploration and development.

The US Air Force has also invested in companies like Rocket Lab, which has developed a launch vehicle capable of carrying small satellites into space.

NASA

NASA is a leading space agency that's been making headlines for decades. It was established in 1958 as a response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite.

Gloves with NASA Patches of a Couple Holding Hands
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The agency's primary goal is to explore space and the Earth's atmosphere, and it's achieved some incredible milestones along the way. NASA's budget for 2020 was $22.6 billion, a significant increase from previous years.

One of NASA's most notable achievements is the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed astronauts on the Moon in 1969. This historic event marked the first time humans set foot on another celestial body.

NASA's Mars Exploration Program has also made significant strides, with the Curiosity Rover discovering evidence of ancient lakes and rivers on the Red Planet. The Curiosity Rover has been exploring Mars since 2012.

NASA's work extends beyond space exploration, with the agency also focusing on Earth science and aeronautics.

US Air Force

The US Air Force is a vital part of the US military, responsible for defending the country's interests in the air and space. It has a long history dating back to 1947.

The Air Force has a massive fleet of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes. With over 5,000 aircraft in its inventory, it's one of the largest air forces in the world.

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A detailed view of a rocket at Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center with clear skies.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed view of a rocket at Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center with clear skies.

The US Air Force operates from a network of bases across the country and overseas. In fact, it has a presence in over 80 countries around the globe.

The Air Force has a strong focus on technology and innovation, with a budget of over $180 billion allocated for research and development in 2020. This investment has led to the development of cutting-edge systems like the F-35 fighter jet.

The US Air Force employs over 329,000 active-duty personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the country.

China's CASC

China's CASC is a major player in the country's space program. It was founded in 1956 as the Seventh Academy of the Ministry of Ordnance Industry.

The company is responsible for designing and manufacturing a range of spacecraft, including the Shenzhou crew vehicle.

CASC has also developed several launch vehicles, including the Long March 2F rocket used for human spaceflight missions.

CASC is a state-owned enterprise that plays a crucial role in China's space exploration efforts.

Russia's Roscosmos

Rocket Launching Leaving Trail of Smoke
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Russia's Roscosmos is a state corporation responsible for the country's space exploration and development. It was established in 2015.

The corporation oversees Russia's space program, including the development of spacecraft, rockets, and satellites. Roscosmos is also responsible for launching satellites and spacecraft into orbit.

In 2020, Roscosmos launched the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft, which carried astronauts to the International Space Station. This mission marked a significant milestone for the corporation.

Roscosmos has a long history of space exploration, dating back to the Soviet era when the country launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957.

Publicly Traded Companies

Virgin Galactic, a space tourism company, is owned by a publicly traded company called Virgin Group.

Virgin Group is led by Richard Branson, who has a significant stake in the company.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is not publicly traded, but its largest backer is Google, which owns about 8% of the company.

Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is a space tourism company founded by Richard Branson in 2004.

Space rocket installed on metal construction in spaceport and ready for launching against cloudless sky
Credit: pexels.com, Space rocket installed on metal construction in spaceport and ready for launching against cloudless sky

It's listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SPCE.

Virgin Galactic is developing a spacecraft called SpaceShipTwo, designed to carry six passengers to the edge of space.

The company has already successfully tested its spaceplane, reaching an altitude of 51.4 miles above the Earth's surface.

Richard Branson has stated that he wants to make space travel accessible to the general public, with tickets expected to cost around $250,000 per person.

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider that has caught the attention of investors. Founded in 2006 by Peter Beck, the company is known for its innovative approach to space technology.

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket has been a game-changer in the industry, with its first launch in 2017 marking a significant milestone. The rocket's ability to launch small satellites into orbit has made it a popular choice for companies looking to get their foot in the space market.

Time Lapse Photography of Taking-off Rocket
Credit: pexels.com, Time Lapse Photography of Taking-off Rocket

The company's success has not gone unnoticed, with Rocket Lab going public in 2021 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company. This move has given investors a chance to get in on the ground floor of a company that's poised for growth.

Rocket Lab's revenue has been steadily increasing, with the company reporting $134.5 million in revenue for 2020. This growth is a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the space industry.

The company's focus on innovation has led to the development of new technologies, such as its Photon satellite platform, which has been used by companies like NASA and the European Space Agency.

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Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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