The hottest Space Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The Ill-Defined Space Global Orbital Launch Summary: 2025

Ill-Defined Space • 28 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Space
  1. 2025 was a record year with 315 successful orbital launches and over 4,500 spacecraft deployed, driven mainly by the U.S. and China which together made up about 90% of launches.
  2. The U.S. led the world with 192 launches—SpaceX flew 165 of them—and reusable rockets plus busy Florida spaceports concentrated activity, creating strong capability but reliance on a few major providers.
  3. China sharply increased launches to 90 with a diverse roster of rockets and growing commercial, mostly domestic, customers, while Russia’s launch activity stayed low (17) and leaned on older Soyuz systems.

⤴↗📈 Has the Great Upshift arrived?

Faster, Please! • 1462 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. US productivity growth has been on the rise, showing positive signs
  2. The current productivity upturn could be sustained and lead to significant economic benefits
  3. Advances in artificial intelligence and strong productivity numbers are contributing to potential long-term economic dynamism

Against Mathiness

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1364 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🔬 Science Space
  1. Mathiness can allow for academic politics to masquerade as science.
  2. Good empirical research can eventually win out in truth battles, even if it takes time.
  3. It's possible to distinguish between good policy research and mathiness, despite potential professional benefits and political challenges.

🛰 The story of the US Space Force: A Quick Q&A with … defense policy analyst Todd Harrison

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Space
  1. The US Space Force is essential because the number of satellites in space is rapidly increasing, and protecting them is crucial for both national security and economic reasons.
  2. The Space Force not only tracks and defends military satellites but also faces various forms of attacks, especially cyber threats, requiring strategies to counter these non-kinetic challenges.
  3. Future roles of the Space Force may include protecting commercial space interests, similar to how the Navy protects maritime commerce, as space becomes increasingly important for global trade and security.

AI Unwrapped #1 | Elon Wants to Run AI From Space

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 6 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Elon plans to run AI data centers in orbit, using Starship launches and much stronger solar power to make large-scale GPU compute cheaper and uncoupled from Earth grid limits.
  2. The main bottleneck for AI isn’t algorithms anymore but infrastructure — especially electricity and power delivery — so any AI product strategy must account for compute and energy constraints.
  3. The frontier model race and commercialization are accelerating: Anthropic and OpenAI shipped major new models with big long-context and coding gains, while platforms add ads and multi-model checks to fund and improve real-world use.
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🛸 Space Elevator

internetisbeautiful • 255 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. The newsletter shares interesting online resources
  2. Featured website: Philosophy Bro simplifies complex philosophical ideas
  3. Space Elevator is a unique website for exploring the concept of a space elevator

Bringing Starship to the UK

Planetocracy • 137 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. The UK lacks a launch capability for space missions
  2. An individual has started a petition to bring Starship launches to the UK
  3. The author encourages sharing the petition outside normal social circles for wider reach

Top Links 549 Markets holding their breath. BBQ and shale productivity. Liberal academia & the Space Force.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💰 Finance Space
  1. Markets seem to be very tense right now. People are watching closely for changes and updates.
  2. BBQ and shale productivity are highlighted as important topics. These areas are crucial in economic discussions.
  3. There's a mention of the intersection between liberal academia and the Space Force. This could spark interesting debates and insights.

The 1968 Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. In 1968, two important events changed how we see the world: the first photo of Earth from space and the first GUI demo. These moments helped people appreciate our planet's beauty and encouraged new ways of interacting with technology.
  2. Earthrise promoted environmental awareness, leading to events like the first Earth Day, while the GUI made computers more accessible for everyday use. Both advancements reshaped human perspective and knowledge.
  3. Technology has evolved, but many interfaces still use linear designs, which limit our ability to manage complex information. To improve, we might need to look toward using curves like nature does for better efficiency.

Demystifying ArianeGroup

Europe in Space • 216 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. ArianeGroup and Arianespace are not the same - there's a difference.
  2. ArianeGroup's history and subsidiaries show a complex web of operations beyond just rockets.
  3. Concerns about the lack of success and strategic planning at ArianeGroup.

Avio under the microscope

Europe in Space • 196 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
💼 Business Space
  1. Avio received a significant funding from European Union for space programs, raising questions on allocation of funds.
  2. Avio faced quality control issues in rocket launches, leading to failures and significant financial losses.
  3. Avio's financial activities, CEO remuneration, and conflicts of interest are under scrutiny amidst stock buybacks and public funding support.

Spotlight: John Bucknell – CEO of Virtus Solis

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Virtus Solis is working on space-based solar power satellites. These can provide continuous energy, unlike traditional solar panels that depend on sunlight.
  2. The technology aims to solve global energy challenges by making clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. John Bucknell, the CEO, suggests that starting a business early in your career can make it easier, but experience also helps in understanding how to manage teams and solve problems.

a website is a sanctuary

escape the algorithm • 519 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Space
  1. A home can be more than just a physical place; it can also exist as a digital sanctuary where visitors can dwell and explore.
  2. Naming spaces, like the Firefly Sanctuary, can give them meaning and influence how others interact with and perceive them.
  3. Websites and physical spaces can inspire each other - HTML and CSS as structures in web design can be compared to the structural aspect of living in and arranging a physical space.

The Space Economy

Startup Pirate by Alex Alexakis • 176 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. The space industry is evolving from being led by superpowers to being driven by private companies, resulting in a significant growth of the space economy and increased number of objects launched into space.
  2. Space technology benefits humanity in various ways like enabling telecommunications, monitoring climate change, and providing navigation services through satellites.
  3. The rise in commercial space activity is attributed to factors like lower launch costs, innovations like reusable rockets, and the availability of new materials and technologies, making it easier for companies to enter the space industry and experiment with space technologies.

March 2023 Space Stock Review+ ULA M&A

Case Closed • 176 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Space
  1. March and 1Q23 Market Overview: Space SPACs were down, legacy space stocks performed worse, and stock market volatility was influenced by changing expectations for interest rates and the economy.
  2. Space Stock Performance and Valuation: Different sectors performed differently, with manufacturing outperforming. Companies like SATL and LUNR were discussed for their valuation considerations.
  3. Analyzing the Potential Sale of United Launch Alliance: Speculation surrounds the potential sale of ULA, with Lockheed Martin likely to buy out Boeing's stake based on financial and strategic considerations.

On Concepts of Date and Time

Poczwardowski Notes • 78 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Space
  1. In 1899, the SS Warrimoo crossed the equator and the international date line at midnight, leading to unique consequences for the ship.
  2. The story of the SS Warrimoo in 1899 is hard to verify due to technology limitations and lack of evidence, unlike the USS Topeka in 1999, which had precise measurement and documentation.
  3. These stories of ships straddling different dates and time zones remind us that concepts like date, time zones, and the international date line are human-made and help us cooperate effectively in our shared world.

🚀👨‍🚀 It's the 10th anniversary of one of the most Up Wing stories ever told

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Space
  1. The 10th anniversary of 'The Martian' highlights the power of problem-solving and self-sufficiency in driving progress and celebrating human ingenuity.
  2. The 'Star Trek' franchise embodies a pro-progress, risk-embracing philosophy and has made a significant cultural impact, paving the way for technological advancements and careers.
  3. Science fiction stories like 'The Martian' and 'Star Trek' exemplify Up Wing thinking, focusing on individual initiative, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude towards progress.

Links for 2024-01-19

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🔬 Science Space
  1. Mark Zuckerberg aims to create artificial general intelligence with Meta having 600,000 GPUs by 2024
  2. Microsoft introduces new method to enhance LLM inference speed by 20 times
  3. Liquid-metal-based microelectrode arrays integrated with ultrathin retinal prosthesis for vision restoration

Are commercial space stations a fantasy?

Europe in Space • 137 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Operating a commercial space station is not straightforward due to high costs and limited demand.
  2. In-orbit manufacturing and satellite fueling are potential applications for commercial space stations, but their feasibility is still uncertain.
  3. Developing a European space station requires focus on crewed launch capabilities and understanding the need for sovereign presence in orbit.

A History of Nukes in Space

Nathan’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. The history of nukes in space involves testing and speculation about potential nuclear threats, with past incidents including nuclear tests and the use of nuclear reactors in space.
  2. Treaties banning nuclear weapons in space exist, but enforcement is challenging as seen with Russia's violations of international treaties.
  3. Nuclear weapons and reactors in space can have significant impacts, from high-altitude EMP events disrupting electronics to the potential dangers of detonating a nuclear weapon in orbit.

↩ Flashback Friday: A Quick Q&A on nuclear energy risk with ... economist Matthew Neidell

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🔬 Science Space
  1. The Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 led to Japan shutting down nuclear reactors, resulting in unforeseen consequences like higher energy prices, reduced consumption, and increased mortality during cold temperatures.
  2. Following the shutdown, research by economist Matthew Neidell showed how Japan's shift to fossil fuels after the Fukushima incident led to higher bills, reduced energy use, and ultimately increased mortality in cold weather due to lack of climate control.
  3. The debate on nuclear energy often focuses on visible risks like accidents, while downplaying the benefits and comparative safety of nuclear power when weighed against other energy sources like coal or gas.

Overcoming challenges in Martian and Earth agriculture: a path to sustainable food production

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔬 Science Space
  1. Growing food on Mars will be challenging. Scientists need to consider energy needs, special farming techniques, and the importance of making the environment attractive for all settlers.
  2. For a permanent Mars colony, it’s better to produce most food on-site rather than bringing it from Earth. This means finding ways to efficiently grow food using available Martian resources.
  3. Advancements in technology, like genetic engineering and farm automation, are crucial. These innovations can help make food production sustainable both on Mars and here on Earth.

What They’re Still Not Telling Us About the UFOs They Shot Down

theconnector • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Space
  1. The US government has limited information about UFOs shot down in American airspace, leading to various speculations.
  2. There is a focus on militarizing space and colonizing other planets instead of pursuing sustainable and peaceful initiatives.
  3. The push for corporate colonization of space, supported by massive government funding, is driven by destructive myths rather than practical priorities.

So long Aeolus, and thanks for all the wind data

Europe in Space • 117 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔬 Science Space
  1. Aeolus satellite mission ended and made significant contributions to improving weather forecasting with its pioneering technology
  2. Aeolus had a unique instrument to collect global wind data and its impact goes beyond just weather forecasts
  3. The mission had a lasting impact and economic benefits, leading to approval for a second Aeolus mission

A little Boost! goes a long way

Europe in Space • 117 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. ESA's Boost! program supports innovative space transportation startups by providing co-funding for qualifying activities.
  2. The Boost! program has attracted significant private investments, showing a successful multiplier effect.
  3. The program has expanded and includes initiatives like the European Flight Ticket Initiative to support space startups.

Women in Space: #EmbraceEquity

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🔬 Science Space
  1. Women make up only about 20-22% of the space industry workforce, and only 12% of all astronauts have been women. We need to work together to change this.
  2. Successful women in space and tech inspire others to join the field. Recognizing their achievements can encourage girls to explore careers in these areas.
  3. Organizations are helping to support women in space careers, showing that having more diverse voices leads to better innovation and exploration in the industry.

Mental health in space: don’t get too crazy about space

Space Ambition • 299 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🔬 Science Space
  1. Space travel is really tough on astronauts' mental health. They deal with social and sensory deprivation, plus the stress of strict schedules and technical tasks, which can lead to serious issues if not managed well.
  2. Preventing mental health problems in space is key. Space agencies carefully select astronauts based on their personalities and provide support like remote check-ins and family care packages to keep morale high.
  3. As space missions get longer and more complex, the need for dedicated mental health support will grow. Future solutions might include AI tools and better station designs to help astronauts cope with mental challenges during missions.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #129

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 129 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Boom Supersonic has successfully tested its XB-1 jet, marking a big step toward commercial supersonic flights. This could cut flight times significantly, like from New York to London in about three and a half hours.
  2. DeepSeek's new AI model shows it's possible to train a top-level AI for much less money than before. This could make AI more affordable and accessible for various uses.
  3. Science Corp is experimenting with brain-computer interfaces that blend lab-grown neurons with animal brains. This technology could enhance brain function and offer new treatments for neural damage.

Links for 2024-01-16

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Space
  1. AI advancements include evaluating LLMs on protocol planning in biology and using multiple AI models for transparent robot plans.
  2. Space exploration discusses Titan's potential for human colonization and the unique properties of the Godel universe.
  3. Psychology insights cover diminished neural responses in autistic adults and the tendency of people to shun help in challenging situations.

Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital, is making space simple for 2 new $100M+ customers

Ubiquitous Thoughts • 98 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Loft Orbital simplifies space access by providing infrastructure for customers to deploy missions on.
  2. The company evolved from physical to virtual missions based on customer needs for accessible space deployment.
  3. Pierre-Damien Vaujour emphasizes the importance of talking to customers, iterating product features, and being inspired about exploration in his professional and personal life.

Why pay attention to SpaceX?

MoneyLemma • 78 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. SpaceX has made significant advancements in private-sector space missions.
  2. Starlink by SpaceX aims to provide internet coverage to remote areas using satellites.
  3. SpaceX's reusable rockets and Starship project are revolutionizing space travel and reducing costs.

Links for 2023-03-10

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. First demonstration of a learning-based method for human locomotion with Transformers
  2. Diffusion Policy outperforms other robot learning methods by 46.9%
  3. GPT-4 by Microsoft Germany will be multimodal and released soon

no. 60: choices made by others

let them eat cake • 179 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
🏝 Travel Space
  1. Leisure travel often revolves around consuming experiences or products, making it different from other types of travel like volunteering or religious pilgrimages.
  2. The character of a city, particularly in France, is shaped by choices made by others long ago, leading to similarities in street activities and settings.
  3. Cities in the US and France are increasingly dominated by activities like eating and shopping, potentially transforming them into tourist destinations as other uses of space become less prioritized.

The Day My Project Went to Space

The Palindrome • 2 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🔬 Science Space
  1. Space experiments demand massive behind-the-scenes work: detailed proposals, strict approvals, extensive documentation, and coordination with agencies.
  2. Consumer mobile IMUs can be used in microgravity but pose real challenges—orientation tracking, gravity removal, sensor bias, and noise make trajectory reconstruction hard and require careful calibration and advanced integration methods.
  3. Leading a flight experiment often means becoming a full‑stack engineer: build a simple, robust flight-ready app, pass platform and agency reviews, run thorough tests, and use quick prototypes or ML demos to validate and showcase the work.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #121

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket, showing impressive advancements in reusable spacecraft technology. This progress is critical for potential lunar and Mars missions in the future.
  2. Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has implemented significant economic reforms that have led to positive results like reducing inflation and achieving a fiscal surplus. His methods may influence similar government efficiency efforts in other countries.
  3. A breakthrough in quantum technology introduced a new type of qubit using mechanical vibrations. This can help improve quantum computing and create advanced technologies for various industries.

Ambition's Gravity

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 245 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. There are three main approaches to thinking about AI: fear of job loss, fear of missing out on AI skills, and using AI as a tool to achieve personal goals.
  2. Decide to do big things, determine the most ambitious goal for your life, and leverage the incredible tools available to make it happen faster.
  3. Ambition is contagious, empowering, and crucial in shaping the reality you want; name your ambition, set big goals, and watch the world contribute to making them a reality.

Marvin’s Best Weekly Reads January 14th, 2024

The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Space
  1. El Segundo's hardware scene has been thriving with the influence of companies like SpaceX, shaping a positive hardware ecosystem with various local companies.
  2. Lessons from history and human civilization show a long and significant past.
  3. Seed investing is evolving, with Seed becoming the new Series A, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics for success.

18 months since - funding statistics for the 2021 space startup cohort

Intersections (by Filip) • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Space
  1. Raw data reveals the financial landscape of space startups in 2021, with significant amounts invested and patterns in subsequent funding rounds.
  2. Data collection discrepancies highlight the importance of a diverse dataset and the impact of subsequent funding on company growth and investor interest.
  3. Understanding the timeline of funding, company failures, loyal investors, and the need for continuous rounds sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by space startups.