Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly known as SpaceX, was established by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002. The founding vision stemmed from Musk's ambition to decrease space transportation costs and enable the possibility of colonizing Mars. Located in Hawthorne, California, SpaceX quickly began to develop its own rocket technology, aiming to explore innovative solutions in the aerospace industry. The creation of SpaceX was influenced by Musk's frustration with the high costs of space launches and the desire to make humanity multi-planetary.

Initially, Musk sought to build a rocket to send research payloads to Mars. He believed that by developing a reliable and cost-effective launch vehicle, he could revolutionize the access to space, paving the way for future space missions that could involve both scientific research and manned exploration. Musk’s approach to creating SpaceX combined visionary leadership with a hands-on engineering mentality, which encouraged a work culture that emphasized rapid iteration and technological advancement.

The launch of SpaceX marked a significant turning point in the space industry; it challenged established space agencies and companies by introducing a commercial approach to space travel. Over the years, SpaceX has achieved numerous milestones, including the first privately funded spacecraft to reach orbit, and its ongoing development of the Falcon and Starship rockets is redefining the boundaries of space exploration and commercialization.