Celebrating 25 Years of Space.com: The Evolution of Space Exploration

Over the past 25 years, space travel has shifted from government-led missions to a more commercially driven and internationally competitive arena. SpaceX's reusable rockets and China's rapid advancements have significantly transformed the landscape. The rise of sophisticated software has enabled major technological leaps, while the increasing number of actors and large constellations in low Earth orbit have made space more congested and contested. The International Space Station exemplifies international cooperation, and new coalitions are forming to explore the moon and beyond.