SpaceX standing by as space shuttle Atlantis returns to Earth for last time

Space shuttle Atlantis on its final mission to the International Space Station. SpaceX expects to launch its commercial rocket, the Falcon Heavy, in 2013. Commercial rockets are expected to take over from NASA in developing launch capabilities.

As the space shuttle Atlantis returns to earth for the last time after its final mission to the International Space Station, signaling the end of an era in space exploration, a new era begins. SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight and rocket developer headed by Elon Musk, is breaking ground on a new launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base. SpaceX is building the Falcon Heavy, a rocket large enough to send cargo or people beyond Earth's orbit. Only the retired Saturn V rocket that ferried astronauts to the moon was bigger.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk will gather with officials on Wednesday for a ceremony at Vanderberg Air Force Base where he is renovating an old launch pad for the world's most powerful rocket. The work is expected to cost between $20 million to $30 million and will last 18 months, Musk said.

SpaceX expects to launch the Falcon Heavy for the first time from Vandenberg in 2013. After the company refurbishes its facility in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the rocket will launch from both coasts. The first launch will be paid for by SpaceX as it courts potential business from customers including NASA, the military, foreign governments and satellite builders.

"What we're seeing is the beginning of a new era in space exploration," said Musk, who co-founded PayPal.

SpaceX already has a NASA contract to supply the International Space Station with cargo using its smaller Falcon 9.