SpaceX, founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, aims to reduce space transportation costs and establish a colony on Mars. It operates Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy rockets, Dragon, and Starship spacecraft. SpaceX's Starlink subsidiary offers internet service through a large satellite constellation. The company is developing Starship, a super heavy-lift launch system for interplanetary spaceflight. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in space exploration and is valued at around $180 billion.
The Space Race was a competition between the US and the Soviet Union to achieve superior spaceflight capability. It included pioneering launches of satellites, robotic space probes, and human spaceflight, culminating in the US landing on the Moon in 1969. The competition led to advancements in technology and ultimately paved the way for international cooperation in space exploration.
Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation headquartered in Redwood City, California. Founded in 1977, Oracle specializes in developing and marketing database software and technology, cloud engineering systems, and enterprise software products. It is one of the largest software companies in the world.
Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, aims to provide suborbital spaceflights. The company operates from California and New Mexico, launching spacecraft from a carrier airplane. Virgin Galactic achieved its first suborbital space flight in 2018 and plans to offer commercial space tourism. Ticket sales opened in 2022 for $450,000, with about 700 customers as of November 2021. The company aspires to have three launches per month by 2023.
Stanford University, founded in 1885, has a vast campus and a rich history. It is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, athletic achievements, and notable alumni. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, successful entrepreneurs, and world leaders.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis originated in Thailand, spreading to other countries. Recovery in 1998–1999 was rapid, with fears of a global meltdown subsiding. The crisis led to currency devaluation, stock market collapses, and high levels of foreign debt in affected countries. Efforts by the IMF and individual countries helped stabilize the situation, but Indonesia faced domestic turmoil resulting in President Suharto stepping down. By 1999, signs of economic recovery were visible in East and Southeast Asia.
NASA, established in 1958, leads American space exploration. It focuses on civil space program, aeronautics, and space research. NASA's projects include Apollo Moon landing missions, Skylab, Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion spacecraft, and Space Launch System. It also conducts Earth Observing System, heliophysics research, Solar System exploration, and astrophysics research. The agency oversees launch operations for uncrewed missions.
Reddit, founded in 2005, allows users to submit content like links, text, images, and videos. Posts are voted on by members and organized into communities. It is one of the most visited websites globally, with a diverse user base. Reddit has received both praise for its features and criticism for spreading misinformation.
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, promotes science, recognizes excellence, provides scientific advice, and fosters global cooperation. It has about 1,700 fellows, including royal, honorary, and foreign members. The current president is Adrian Smith.
Singapore gained independence in 1965 after being expelled from Malaysia. Key events include British colonization and World War II occupation.