Hey and welcome again to TechCrunch Area. Sadly, Boeing’s Starliner launch was delayed but once more, this time as a result of points with one of many three redundant computer systems utilized by United Launch Alliance, the rocket supplier, to provoke the launch sequence. These computer systems are purported to work in sync, however certainly one of them was transferring slightly slowly, which initiated an automated halt.
Subsequent doable launch dates? June 5 and 6.
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Story of the week
A Chinese language spacecraft efficiently landed on the far facet of the moon on Sunday with the purpose of bringing again lunar rock samples. The Chang’e-6 lander touched down within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, China’s area company mentioned.
The mission is predicted to final over 50 days, and its simply the most recent in a rising string of profitable Chinese language moon missions.
The New York Instances dove into the query of whether or not or not Elon Musk’s SpaceX is utilizing unfair ways to take care of its dominance within the launch business. In line with another area CEOs, the reply is sure. This story ignited numerous commentary on-line, and whether or not you agree or disagree on the outset, it’s value a learn.
This week in area historical past
We made historical past at present, people! Six planets aligned within the sky this morning in a uncommon celestial occasion generally known as a “planet parade.” Mars, Saturn and Jupiter had been seen to the bare eye — the complete lineup, so as, is Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn, plus a bonus crescent moon!