<P> In 1996 NASA selected Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to build the X-33 VentureStar prototype for a single stage to orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle . In 1999, the subscale X-33 prototype's composite liquid hydrogen fuel tank failed during testing . At project termination on 31 March 2001, NASA had funded $912 million of this wedge shaped spacecraft while Lockheed Martin financed $357 million of it . The VentureStar was to have been a full - scale commercial space transport operated by Lockheed Martin . </P> <P> In 1997 Beal Aerospace proposed the BA - 2, a low - cost heavy - lift commercial launch vehicle . On 4 March 2000, the BA - 2 project tested the largest liquid rocket engine built since the Saturn V. In October 2000, Beal Aerospace ceased operations citing a decision by NASA and the Department of Defense to commit themselves to the development of the competing government - financed EELV program . </P> <P> In 1998 Rotary Rocket proposed the Roton, a Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) piloted Vertical Take - off and Landing (VTOL) space transport . A full scale Roton Atmospheric Test Vehicle flew three times in 1999 . After spending tens of millions of dollars in development the Roton failed to secure launch contracts and Rotary Rocket ceased operations in 2001 . </P> <P> Excalibur Almaz had plans in 2007 to launch a modernized TKS Spacecraft (for Almaz space station), for tourism and other uses . It was to feature the largest window ever on a spacecraft . Their equipment was never launched, and their hangar facility closed in 2016 . It is to be converted into an educational exhibit . </P>

When did the first commercial space company launch its first spacecraft