Private aerospace company SpaceX has confirmed it aims to send a human into space in May this year, three months earlier than previously planned. This would make the astronaut the first ever person to travel to space via a private company. Founded by tech-entrepreneur Elon Musk, Space X competed a major safety check last month that allowed astronauts to safely eject out of a rocket during blast off, marking the final milestone to approve a human launch. If further security tests are a success, the privateer crew will launch into space inside a Crew Dragon reusable space module, thrust by the company's iconic Falcon 9 rocket, on 7 May. Space X has already opened its online booking platform for people and companies needing a "ride-share" into space using its Falcon 9 rocket. This reusable rocket can send satellites into orbit and potentially ferry passengers to the International Space Station. Last year, an unmanned Crew Dragon craft was able to dock onto the ISS, unload cargo, disconnect, and return safety to Earth with a controlled automated landing. However, Space X has competition from Boeing and Virgin Atlantic who also aim to send people into space soon. It's one small step for man, but one giant leap towards the dream of one day travelling on holiday to the stars.
