Civilian Space eXploration Team

Quick Facts: Who was Civilian Space eXploration Team?

Subject:

Civilian Space eXploration Team

Known for:

Amateur spaceflight team focused on private, verified high-altitude rocket launches.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Civilian Space eXploration Team, also known as the CSXT, is a team of around 30 civilians interested in private spaceflight. The team was created by Ky Michaelson. Having conducted multiple rocket launches in an attempt to establish altitude records, CSXT became the first entity to officially launch an amateur rocket into space on May 17, 2004, with the successful launch of its GoFast rocket to an altitude of 116 km (72 miles) above the surface, which was verified by FAA analysis of the team's flight data.

Career & Major Achievements

Prior privately funded space launches were achieved by the Orbital Sciences Pegasus, and many other amateur teams have made unverified claims of rocket flights exceeding the boundary of space. Currently, Ky Michaelson is the CSXT program director. The CSXT's program is subdivided into three teams: Rocket Design and Ground Support Equipment Avionics and Ground System Design Wind Weighting System Development The team was established in 1995 by a group of model rocket hobbyists interested in spaceflight.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The team is supported by corporate sponsorship. The D.R. Hero rocket was launched in August 1995.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1995: 1995 Milestone — The CSXT's program is subdivided into three teams: Rocket Design and Ground Support Equipment Avionics and Ground System Design Wind Weighting System Development The team was established in 1995 by a group of model rocket hobbyists interested in spaceflight.
2. 2004: 2004 Milestone — Having conducted multiple rocket launches in an attempt to establish altitude records, CSXT became the first entity to officially launch an amateur rocket into space on May 17, 2004, with the successful launch of its GoFast rocket to an altitude of 116 km (72 miles) above the surface, which was verified by FAA analysis of the team's flight data.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Civilian Space eXploration Team

True or False: “It is a common myth that all amateur rocket flights exceeding the Kármán line (the recognized boundary of space) are automatically verified by international space agencies.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While verification is crucial, the myth suggests automatic confirmation. In reality, verification, such as that provided by the FAA for CSXT, is a rigorous, specific process, not an inherent right upon crossing an altitude threshold.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Died in 2004) (2004): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Ahn Ji-ho (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 2004) (2004): South Korean actor known for web series debuts and early recognition.
• Adolf Butenandt — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Pioneering German biochemist known for sex hormones and pheromone discovery.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.

Frequently Asked Questions about Civilian Space eXploration Team