Max Q: How TechCrunch Is Providing Lifelines for Start-Ups

Strong winds buffeted the ship, tossing sailors about like leaves in a storm. The rain and wind created such a

• Relativity Space’s Terran 1 reaches Max Q
• NRO lines up hyperspectral imagery providers
• News from Virgin Orbit and more

The launch of the 3D-printed rocket technology Terran 1 signals a major milestone for relativity space. The rocket successfully cleared the pad and launch structure, and achieved Max Q — or the point during the launch sequence at which the vehicle is under the most pressure in terms of atmospheric resistance and stress. It also succeeded at cutting off its main engines and separating its first stage as intended. This significant development strengthens relativity space’s position as a leader in innovative aerospace technology, paving the way for even greater advances in future launches.

Albert Einstein is one of the most significant individuals in history. He is famous for his theories of relativity, which explained the laws of physics in a way

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is interested in expanding its remote sensing capabilities, and has awarded study contracts to six space companies that provide hyperspectral satellite imagery. This data can be used to surveil a variety of targets and assess changes over time, which could be beneficial for national security purposes.

Through the NRO’s Broad Agency Announcement program, hyperspectral satellite operators were awarded contracts to provide detailed images of Earth for military purposes. The technology that these providers will use to generate this imagery is still in its early stages, but is expected to improve rapidly as researchers develop new algorithms and incorporate better data sources. The contracts awarded today are just the beginning of what is likely to be a long-term partnership between the Department of Defense and hyperspectral satellite operators.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) anticipates that its $300,000 contracts with space-based providers will rapidly scale to much higher values as mission requirements and customer needs are confirmed. The NRO anticipates utilizing the contracted providers to take images and other data from vital government satellites in orbit.

Nicknamed the ‘Big Red Machine,’ Ohio State has long been one of college football’s elite teams. Widely considered one of the

• ABL Space Systems scored a $60 million U.S. Space Force and Air Force STRATFI contract to build out its rapid response launch capabilities. (TechGround)
• Arkisys won a $1.6 million U.S. Space Force contract to demonstrate in-space robotic operations that could eventually be used to assemble satellites in space. (SpaceNews)
• Blue Origin released its report on the New Shepard launch failure, adding only that it expects to launch “soon.” (TechGround)
• Elon Musk said that some of the Starlink v2 mini satellites are experiencing issues, after some observers noticed a batch of the satellites were dropping orbits. (Elon Musk)
• Deloitte released a new report on the future of the space market. (Deloitte)
• Firefly Aerospace’s next Alpha launch will be a rapid response mission for the U.S. Space Force. (Firefly)
• Frontier Aerospace, an in-space propulsion startup, closed $10 million in new funding from AEI HorizonX. (Frontier)
• Impulse Space is moving into larger headquarters in Redondo Beach, California, to accommodate its growing team and manufacturing operations. (Impulse)
• ispace’s Hakuto-R lunar lander has successfully entered lunar orbit, with a moon landing anticipated in late-April. (ispace)
• Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser launch is once again delayed. (Ars Technica)
• SpaceX is reportedly lining up new funding from Saudi and Emirati investment firms, to the tune of multibillions of dollars. (The Information)
• Starliner’s Crew Flight Test has been delayed, and will fly after Axiom Mission 2, which is scheduled for early May. (NASA)
• Virgin Orbit is reportedly nearing a deal with Texas-based venture capitalist Matthew Brown for a $200 million investment, which would make Brown the launch company’s effective owner. (Reuters)

Max Q is a fantastically quirky and creative art movement that prompts people to think outside the box in their art. It’s amazing to see how artists are able to experiment with new mediums and techniques, while still retaining the vibrancy and uniqueness that makes Max Q such a beloved movement.