Chapter 9 details the successful transformation of SpaceX from a struggling startup to a leading aerospace company. The chapter begins with a vivid description of the Falcon 9 rocket, a key component of SpaceX’s success. Standing 224 feet tall and powered by nine engines, the Falcon 9 is designed with a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic, reminiscent of Apple’s minimalist design ethos. Vance meticulously describes the rocket’s first and second stages, highlighting its capacity for carrying both satellites and human passengers. Vance describes the launch process at Vandenberg Air Force Base, emphasizing the precision and high stakes involved.

SpaceX has evolved from a fledgling company to a significant player in the aerospace industry. The chapter chronicles the shift from Falcon 1, which launched from the remote Kwajalein Atoll, to Falcon 9, which became the company’s workhorse. SpaceX’s competitive edge lies in its ability to produce rockets at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional aerospace giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Orbital Sciences. The company’s approach of manufacturing nearly all components in-house allows for greater control and cost efficiency, setting it apart from competitors who rely on foreign suppliers.