Welcome back to TechCrunch Space! We have some interesting updates for you this week, so let’s dive right in.
First up, there’s been a slight delay in Boeing’s Starliner mission. NASA officials have announced that the spacecraft will now bring its two-person crew back to Earth on June 26, instead of the original date of June 14. This means the crew will spend at least 20 days on board the International Space Station. If you’re curious about the reasons behind this delay, check out our previous article for more insights.
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Now, let’s talk about the exciting developments in the space industry. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are working on heavy-lift rockets that will revolutionize space travel. With these advancements, spacecraft are expected to grow in size, presenting new challenges for testing and qualification methods. Gravitics and NASA are collaborating to address these challenges and pave the way for larger spacecraft testing.
In other news, SpaceX has allowed its employees to cash out some of their shares through a tender offer. TechCrunch has obtained internal documents regarding this offer, shedding light on the investors authorized to buy these secondary shares. It’s fascinating to see the deals being made behind the scenes, so be sure to check out the details in the link provided.
On a celebratory note, Rocket Lab recently completed its 50th Electron rocket launch! The company shared a touching video showcasing its journey to this milestone. It’s incredible to see how far Rocket Lab has come, overcoming numerous obstacles to reach this achievement.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce the space programming lineup for this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt. The agenda features top founders, investors, and industry experts, including fireside chats with Peter Beck of Rocket Lab and Bridgit Mendler of Northwood Space. It’s shaping up to be an exciting event, so be sure to check out the details on our website.
Lastly, in this week’s space history, we commemorate Sally Ride’s return to Earth on June 24, 1983, after her historic trip to space. It’s important to reflect on these milestones and honor the trailblazers who have shaped the future of space exploration.
That’s all for this week’s TechCrunch Space update. Stay tuned for more exciting news and developments in the world of space technology!
