ENBLE Space: Launches, Landings, and the Future of Space Exploration
TechCrunch Space A Weekly Newsletter Covering News in the Commercial Space Industry from TechCrunch
United Launch Alliance and Astrobotic launch while Countdown Capital shuts down | ENBLE
Hello and welcome back to Max Q. By the time you read this, United Launch Alliance will have hopefully launched its Vulcan Centaur rocket for the first time in history. 🚀 And that’s not all—Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander will be on its way to the moon, marking a significant milestone in the realm of space exploration. 🌕 But before we delve into the details, let’s address some exciting updates and changes heading your way.
Other than the usual news round-up, we’re introducing some exciting recurring segments and newsletter features. (If you have any ideas you want to share, feel free to let us know!) In the coming weeks, we’ll also be bidding farewell to the name “Max Q” and rebranding as something a bit more on the nose: ENBLE Space. So, stay tuned for that. 👀
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the extraordinary events that are shaping the future of space exploration!
📧 Want to reach out with a tip? Email Aria at [email protected] or send me a message on Signal at 512-937-3988. You can also send a note to the entire ENBLE crew at [email protected]. For more secure communications, click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and links to encrypted messaging apps. ⚡️
🌌 Story of the Week: ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Rocket and Astrobotic’s Ambitious Lunar Mission
All eyes are on United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the Pittsburgh-based startup Astrobotic this week, as the two companies gear up for their inaugural missions with tremendous stakes. 🌠 ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket is taking flight for the very first time, while Astrobotic is attempting to make history by putting cutting-edge hardware on the moon. If successful, this mission will mark the first time a private entity has landed a spacecraft on the moon. 🌝
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Peregrine, Astrobotic’s rover, is set to gracefully touch down on the lunar surface in late February. The significance of this mission cannot be overstated—the successful landing will open up novel possibilities for lunar exploration, paving the way for future manned missions and scientific discoveries. 🚀
📰 Scoop of the Week: Countdown Capital Shuts Down, Reflecting Challenges in the Tech Venture Space
What’s a scoop, you ask? A scoop refers to an exclusive piece of news that’s broken by a single journalist or organization. 📢
In this week’s scoop, we learn that Countdown Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on hard tech industrial startups, will be closing its doors by the end of March. Jai Malik, the firm’s founder and solo general partner, shared this news in an annual letter obtained by ENBLE. 😢
The closure comes as Malik realizes that the firm would face challenges in consistently generating significant returns due to capital limitations and mounting competition from large incumbents. While the closure of Countdown Capital may seem discouraging, it sheds light on the obstacles faced by early-stage hard tech funds in an industry often filled with rosy narratives of “building for America.” 🏗️
🚀 Launch Highlights: Starlink Satellites and the Future of Internet Connectivity
In addition to ULA and Astrobotic’s groundbreaking mission, this past week witnessed another major milestone with SpaceX’s launch of the first six Starlink satellites equipped for direct-to-cell connectivity. This achievement marks the beginning of a significant expansion in Starlink’s satellite internet offerings. 🌐
As described by Starlink, these new satellites will act as “cell phone towers in space,” revolutionizing internet access in remote areas. SpaceX plans to commence testing this year, with 840 satellites providing 4G connectivity to roughly 2,000 unmodified smartphones. If all goes according to plan, texting services will become available this year, followed by voice and data services starting in 2025 (pending regulatory approval). 📶
📚 What We’re Reading: The Exciting Production Cadence of SpaceX’s Starship Program
Ars Technica’s Stephen Clark has delved into the production cadence that SpaceX’s Starship program will need to achieve to make a settlement on Mars a reality. 🛰️
According to Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s second in command, the goal is to achieve a production cadence similar to that of aircraft operations, aiming for dozens, or even hundreds, of launches per day. 🚀 SpaceX will need to perform frequent Starship launches to transport millions of tons of equipment necessary for establishing a Mars settlement. Additionally, these launches will include the important step of refueling tankers in space, a prerequisite for interplanetary travel. 🌍
While these objectives may seem ambitious, SpaceX is on a clear trajectory to achieve them. Noticeable milestones will include in-space refueling demonstrations, successful recovery and re-flight of Super Heavy and Starship, lunar landings, crewed Earth launch and landing, and ultimately taking the multi-month journey to Mars. The possibilities for space exploration seem more tangible and exciting than ever before. 🌠
🤔 Q&A: Exploring Readers’ Curiosity
Here are some additional topics that readers might find interesting or have concerns about:
Q: How does Astrobotic’s lunar mission pave the way for future space exploration? A: Astrobotic’s mission is revolutionary because it marks the first time a private company is landing hardware on the moon. This breakthrough will accelerate technological advancements, provide valuable insights into lunar conditions, and lay the groundwork for future manned missions, lunar bases, and scientific discoveries. It’s a significant step towards expanding our presence in space.
Q: What impact will SpaceX’s Starlink satellites have on global internet connectivity? A: Starlink’s satellites will help bridge the digital divide by providing internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas. These satellites act as “cell phone towers in space,” opening up opportunities for increased communication and access to online services. In the long term, Starlink aims to offer internet coverage worldwide, bringing reliable and fast internet to even the most remote corners of the world.
Q: How does the closure of Countdown Capital reflect the challenges faced by early-stage hard tech funds? A: Countdown Capital’s closure highlights the difficulties faced by early-stage hard tech funds, such as capital limitations and stiff competition from larger companies. While the closure may paint a somber picture, it also fosters discussions around the need for continued support and investment in early-stage ventures, as they often play a crucial role in advancing groundbreaking technologies and driving innovation.
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Exploration
As we witness incredible feats unfold in the world of space exploration, one thing becomes clear: the future holds boundless possibilities. From the ambitious missions of ULA and Astrobotic to SpaceX’s grand vision of a Mars settlement, humanity is taking remarkable steps towards unlocking the mysteries of the universe. 🚀✨
To learn more about the topics discussed in this article, check out the following links:
- Astrobotic – Astrobotic’s official website providing insights into their lunar mission.
- Starlink – Learn more about SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite internet service.
- Countdown Capital – Read the article discussing the closure of Countdown Capital and the challenges faced by early-stage hard tech funds.
- SpaceX – Explore SpaceX’s mission to revolutionize space technology and make life multiplanetary.
- Ars Technica – Find more exciting articles and in-depth analysis of space-related topics.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Max Q, soon to be known as ENBLE Space. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow space enthusiasts and stay tuned for more thrilling updates. 🌌✨
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What are your thoughts on the recent developments in space exploration? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let’s start a conversation and keep the excitement alive! 🚀🌌
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