Welcome back to TechCrunch Space! The news cycle seems to be moving faster than ever this summer!
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SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, known for its reliability, experienced a rare mishap last week during a routine launch of Starlink satellites. This incident is significant not only for its uniqueness but also its potential impact on upcoming human space missions by SpaceX, such as Polaris Dawn and NASA’s astronaut transportation launch.
Early SpaceX engineer Bulent Altan and investor Joram Voelklein observed similarities between the European space sector of the late 2010s and the American NewSpace era of the early 2000s. They made personal investments in German startup Isar Aerospace and established Alpine Space Ventures in Munich in 2020. Recently, they closed their first $184 million fund, the largest first-time VC fund dedicated to space globally.
Launch of the week
Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched last week, with a minor anomaly occurring after satellite deployment. Despite the glitch, the European Space Agency deemed it a success. Learn more about Ariane 6 and the significance of its launch before the event.
Don’t miss Ashlee Vance’s documentary “Wild Wild Space,” airing on HBO on July 17. It promises entertaining viewing, so grab some popcorn and enjoy!
