This is fascinating. We have a private Space Race fully underway.
Several companies pursuing several different strategies. A couple, like Virgin Galactic, are promoting space tourism with a sub-orbital flight. SpaceX is looking to create ISS capable rockets. Bigelow is looking create space hotels.
Heinlein would love it right now.
Anyways check out the pictures of the construction of SpaceShip Two.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4256017.html