Launch cadence, fuel depots, and commercial payloads

Loren Grush, of Bloomberg, joins me to talk about SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI, its preparation for a potential IPO, Blue Origin’s cancellation of New Shepard and their recent momentum, and the delay to Artemis II following its first wet dress rehearsal.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 33 executive producers—David, Natasha Tsakos, Stealth Julian, Warren, Joakim, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Miles O’Brien, Pat, Better Every Day Studios, Will and Lars from Agile, The Astrogators at SEE, Steve, Joonas, Frank, Fred, Heiko, Donald, Lee, Russell, Kris, Ryan, Theo and Violet, Joel, Matt, Jan, Josh from Impulse, and four anonymous—and hundreds of supporters.

Topics

• SpaceX Acquires xAI as Musk Prepares for Mega IPO - Bloomberg
• SpaceX-xAI Deal Blurs Musk’s Once-Clear Space Exploration Mission - Bloomberg
• Loren Brichter, a High Priest of App Design - WSJ
• Blue Origin to Pause New Shepard Flights for No Less Than Two Years | Blue Origin
• NASA Conducts Artemis II Fuel Test, Eyes March for Launch Opportunity   - NASA

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