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Max Q: Space News Update

Max Q is a weekly newsletter originating from TechCrunch, focused entirely on space exploration. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Monday.

This edition encompasses coverage for two weeks, as the previous installment was paused due to a Canadian national holiday, with resumption coinciding with a U.S. holiday. Several key developments are highlighted, including Blue Origin’s auction process, advancements in lunar landers, the innovative concept of launching spacecraft from the sea, and the return of our signature space-focused event.

Blue Origin’s Auction for Space Travel

Blue Origin is currently conducting an auction for a single seat on its inaugural human spaceflight. Initial public bidding commenced at $1.4 million. Prior to this, prospective bidders submitted concealed bids, but Blue Origin now publicly displays the highest current bid whenever it’s surpassed.

The current leading bid stands at $2.8 million, representing a doubling since the opening of public bidding, likely fueled by the fear of missing out.

The auction is scheduled to culminate on June 12th with a live, real-time online bidding session. It is anticipated that the final price will exceed $3 million, benefiting Blue Origin, as future suborbital spaceflights are projected to cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The successful bidder will embark on the flight on July 20th, alongside other passengers chosen by Blue Origin. The identities of these additional crew members remain undisclosed, sparking speculation about the potential inclusion of Jeff Bezos.

SpaceX’s Deimos Spaceport Development

An offshore oil rig, similar to those being repurposed by SpaceX. Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons / Tony Webster

SpaceX is demonstrating its forward-thinking approach by converting two offshore oil platforms into floating spaceports. The first platform, designated “Deimos” after a Martian moon, is already undergoing modifications. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, anticipates operational readiness by next year, potentially enabling launches in 2022.

These platforms, including Deimos and its counterpart “Phobos,” will ultimately support launch and landing operations for SpaceX’s fully reusable launch vehicle, Starship. However, Starship is still undergoing testing, with recent successful landings achieved only after atmospheric flight tests.

Locating these spaceports offshore addresses critical concerns, such as minimizing the impact of large rocket launches on populated areas, and providing a safe buffer zone for potentially risky landings.

Advancements in Lunar Lander Technology

A conceptual rendering of ispace’s HAKUTO-R lander and rover. Image Credits: ispace

Recent news highlights significant progress in lunar lander development. Japan’s ispace has secured contracts to provide commercial lunar lander services to both Canada and Japan, utilizing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for launch. These will be distinct missions, scheduled for next year and 2023 respectively.

Both missions will employ ispace’s Hakuto-R lander, initially designed for the Google-backed Lunar XPRIZE competition. Although the competition concluded without a winner, ispace continued development with commercial applications in mind. The Hakuto-R lander designated for JAXA will transport a unique spherical moon robot, representing an innovative rover design.

Furthermore, GM announced a collaboration with Lockheed Martin to create a next-generation lunar rover, offering increased speed and range for future lunar astronauts. While a NASA contract is still required for production, both companies express enthusiasm for the project.

TC Sessions: Space Returns in December

Following the success of our inaugural space event last year, we are pleased to announce its return in 2021. This year’s event will be held on December 14th and 15th, continuing as a fully virtual conference, accessible to participants worldwide.

The previous event featured prominent figures such as Peter Beck of Rocket Lab and Kathy Lueders of NASA. We are currently curating an equally compelling agenda for this year’s conference, designed to captivate space enthusiasts.

Tickets are now available, with early purchasers benefiting from a $100 discount.