SpaceX began operations as a private aerospace company in 2002. Elon Musk founded the company after becoming interested in reducing the cost of space transportation and enabling future missions to Mars.
SpaceX initially focused on developing the Falcon 1, a relatively small orbital rocket. Its early launches were difficult, but the company eventually reached orbit in 2008, helping secure NASA support and commercial contracts.
The company is sometimes dated from its incorporation paperwork or early development work, but 2002 is the standard founding year used in biographies and company histories. SpaceX later expanded into Falcon 9, Dragon spacecraft, Starlink satellites, and Starship.
Its private status distinguishes it from government space agencies such as NASA, although NASA has been an important customer and partner through cargo and crew programs.