Space

Core viewpoint: The space industry faces challenges in rocket development, highlighting the need for iterative testing and learning from failures, while also celebrating successes in commercial missions.

SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Disintegration

SpaceX's eighth Starship test flight ended in failure shortly after launch. The spacecraft lost control and broke apart, scattering debris, with the upper-stage experiencing a rapid unscheduled disassembly during ascent engine firing, reaching nearly 90 miles in altitude. SpaceX successfully caught the first-stage booster. The cause is under investigation.

Ariane 6 Achieves Successful First Commercial Mission

Arianespace's Ariane 6 rocket achieved a successful first commercial mission from French Guiana, deploying the CSO-3 Earth observation satellite for the French Defense Procurement Agency and CNES. The Ariane 6 replaces the Ariane 5.

Space Exploration

Core viewpoint: Lunar missions continue to face challenges, highlighting the complexities of space exploration and the need for robust data analysis before drawing conclusions.

Intuitive Machines' Lunar Landing Attempt

Intuitive Machines' second attempt to land on the Moon "went sideways," and more data is needed to determine the orientation of the lander.

Technology

Core viewpoint: Space technology faces setbacks and dependencies, highlighting the challenges of innovation and reliance.

Starship Test Flight Ends Prematurely

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket for the eighth time, successfully landing the Super Heavy booster. However, the upper-stage Starship spacecraft was lost before reaching its target landing point in the Indian Ocean. An anomaly caused the spacecraft to spin out of control, ending the mission prematurely. This marks the second consecutive launch where the vehicle encountered a critical issue en route to orbit, with the Starship losing multiple Raptor engines and breaking up over the Bahamas. The test flight aimed to deploy dummy Starlink satellites. SpaceX will review the flight data to understand the root cause of the failure.

Ukraine's Reliance on Starlink

Ukraine is heavily reliant on Starlink satellite communications from Elon Musk, due to the war decimating the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, and is finding that there’s no easy way out of this dependency.

Technology

Core viewpoint: Policy shifts in broadband deployment programs could significantly impact the competitive landscape and the technology adopted for internet service, potentially benefiting non-fiber providers.

Changes to Broadband Deployment Program Favor Starlink

The Trump administration is eliminating the preference for fiber Internet in a $42.45 billion broadband deployment program, potentially directing more money to Starlink and other non-fiber Internet service providers. One report suggests Starlink could obtain $10 billion to $20 billion under the new rules. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick criticized the Biden administration's handling of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, confirming the Trump administration will end the fiber preference and replace it with a "tech-neutral" set of rules.

Ontario's Contract Cancellation Impacts Rural Internet Options

It's unclear what will happen to rural customers in Ontario with one less option for internet service.

Technology

Core viewpoint: Policy shifts and market competition are reshaping the technology landscape.

Fiber Internet Prioritization Under Review

The Trump administration has decided that fiber Internet will not be prioritized in the BEAD grant program.

Xiaomi SU7 Impact on Tesla Sales

The Xiaomi SU7 is significantly impacting Model 3 sales, and further global expansion plans pose an additional threat to Tesla.

Technology

Core viewpoint: Starlink faces challenges with pricing, reliability in conflict zones, and competition, while Tesla is targeted due to its association with Elon Musk.

Starlink's New Residential Lite Plan

Starlink is rolling out its Residential Lite plan to 15 states, priced at $80 per month, which includes slower speeds and deprioritized internet during peak hours.

Starlink's Role and Challenges in Ukraine

Starlink terminals have been crucial in Ukraine, providing connectivity in areas with damaged mobile networks, enabling communication, education, and medical access. A charity, KHARPP, has deployed six Starlink terminals for these purposes. However, KHARPP is hesitant to acquire more due to concerns about potential shutdowns. Reports suggest the US considered cutting off Starlink access during negotiations. European countries are exploring alternatives, and the EU is increasing defense spending as US military aid to Ukraine decreases.

Tesla Dealership Targeted with Molotov Cocktails

Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, from Oregon, was arraigned in federal court for allegedly possessing Molotov cocktails near a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. He is charged with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at the dealership on January 20. Another incident occurred on February 19, involving bullets fired into a building and vehicle. These incidents, linked to Lansky, are part of a rise in vandalism against Tesla dealerships, reportedly due to Elon Musk's actions.

Technology

Core viewpoint: Regulatory scrutiny and market adjustments are impacting key players in the tech industry, raising questions about ethical practices and service accessibility.

Demand for Elon Musk Ethics Probe

Efforts by Trump to potentially close the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) have sparked demand for an ethics probe into Elon Musk.

Starlink Contract Cancellation in Ontario

The cancellation of Ontario's contract with Starlink raises concerns about the future of internet service for rural customers in the region, leaving them with one fewer option.