Welcome back to TechCrunch Space! I hope everyone had a fantastic Independence Day celebration. Let’s dive into the latest news.
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Despite a holiday lull, last week brought exciting news of a partnership between two startups aiming to provide AI-capable computing power to space. Aethero from San Francisco is developing the computing technology, while Cosmic Shielding Corporation is supplying innovative radiation shielding material. The payload is set to launch into orbit soon, and I’ll be closely monitoring its progress over the next few months.
SpaceX’s ambitious plans to launch its Starship mega-rocket up to 44 times per year from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center have stirred interest among competitors. In addition, SpaceX is eyeing a second launch pad at Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 near Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).
Launch of the week
Congratulations to Firefly Aerospace on successfully launching its Alpha rocket for the fifth time last Wednesday. The mission delivered eight CubeSats to orbit for NASA under the Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) Demo 2 program. Watch the launch replay below.
What we’re watching
I recently had the opportunity to preview “Wild Wild Space,” a new space documentary directed by Ross Kauffman and based on a book by Ashlee Vance. While I’m considering a full review, I can say that it’s an exhilarating experience with plenty of memorable quotes, like this one from Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck: “I’m not built to build shit.” The documentary premieres on HBO on July 17, so don’t miss it!
