Space technology companies provide services, engage in scientific research, and/or develop technology related to spaceflight, satellites, or space exploration. This includes micro-satellites, nano-satellites, ground station networks, rocket technology, payload systems, spacecraft development, satellite imagery, satellite telecommunications, space-based data, space materials, space tourism and asteroid mining. VC-backed SpaceX designs and manufactures aerospace and space transport services intended to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars.