“The government's been encouraging companies that help provide the public services in space to also develop commercial customers on the side,” said Harvard’s Matt Weinzierl.

Boeing has faced scrutiny for the safety of its 737 MAX planes, but problems with its Starliner crew module have also stranded astronauts at the ISS.

Big consumer brands are partnering with aerospace companies to market their products in the cosmos. But what’s the payoff back on earth?

Last year, the world set a Space Age record by launching more than 180 rockets into orbit. And every launch pumps money into local coffers.

In the 1970s, NASA welcomed women and minority astronauts for the first time. Meredith Bagby’s new book explores the impact that they made in the world of space travel.

This week in Spain, European research ministers are discussing how to allocate as much as $14 billion over three years to the European Space Agency.

Amazon recently confirmed plans to provide internet connectivity from orbit.

Older equipment may lose its grip on space and time when its clocks roll over.

Will America be leading the way?

"If there were no issues, then you don't need me," Shotwell says.