Max Q - Firefly Aerospace is making moves

By Aria Alamalhodaei

Monday, June 12, 2023

Hello and welcome back to Max Q!

In this issue:

Firefly’s making moves with summer launches and a new acquisition
Layoffs at Ursa Major
News from NASA and more

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Firefly's making moves

Firefly Aerospace is making moves ahead of what is shaping up to be a very busy summer. First, read here about a possible August launch attempt for a mission for NASA. Then, catch up with our coverage of the company’s latest surprising acquisition.

Image Credits: Firefly

The latest "tech" layoffs come to Ursa Major

Unfortunately, Ursa Major is the latest company to have implemented a round of layoffs, affecting at least 15 people. Those include quality specialists and propulsion engineers. The company, which develops and manufactures engines for space launch and hypersonic applications, has had some major wins in recent months, but these layoffs certainly suggest trouble is afoot.

Image Credits: Ursa Major

More news from TC and beyond

Albedo, an Earth observation startup, is opening a new 10,000-square-foot facility to support the manufacturing of three-four satellites at once. (Albedo)
Hydrosat, a climate tech company that uses satellite sensors to measure water stress and drought, acquired Irriwatch and its irrigation management software. (SpaceNews)
NASA is spending $45 million to seed hundreds of small aerospace businesses, with awardees pursuing everything from in-space transportation to microbial monitoring for spacecraft. (TechCrunch)
Nuview has raised $15 million so far for its lidar satellite constellation, from investors including actor Leonardo DiCaprio. (TechCrunch)
SpaceX launched a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station carrying a pair of new solar panels, scientific research and fresh fruit (among other things). (TechCrunch)
United Launch Alliance conducted a key test of the integrated Vulcan rocket, firing up two Blue Origin-built BE-4 engines. (ULA)

Image Credits: Hydrosat

TechCrunch Disrupt 2023

Join us at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 in San Francisco this September as we explore the impact of space exploration on our world today. New this year, we will have a whole day dedicated to all things space, featuring some of today’s leading space figures. Save up to $800 when you buy your pass now through August 11, and save 15% on top of that with promo code MAXQ.